- What Is Unemployment Insurance?
- What Are Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
- How to Qualify for Unemployment Benefits
- When to Apply for Unemployment
- How to Apply for Unemployment
- How Unemployment Insurance Benefit Amounts Are Calculated
- I Just Applied for Unemployment Insurance. Now What?
- What Happens After You Are Approved for Unemployment Benefits?
- How to Appeal a Denial of Unemployment Benefits
- Need More Help?
- View or Download Our Free Guide
What Is Unemployment Insurance?
Unemployment Insurance is a benefit program designed to replace part of the income of recently unemployed or underemployed workers. Unemployment Insurance is available to workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.
Learn more about Unemployment on the Unemployment Program Overview page here.
What Are Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
Unemployment Insurance Benefits are weekly payments given to eligible workers who apply to and are accepted into the program. These payments are typically provided via direct deposits to the beneficiary’s bank account.
How to Qualify for Unemployment Benefits
To qualify for Unemployment Insurance, you must:
- Have lost your job due to no fault of your own.
- Be able to work.
- Be actively seeking work.
- Meet the monetary and personal eligibility requirements of the state where your land is located.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements for Unemployment Insurance here.
When to Apply for Unemployment
You should apply for Unemployment Benefits during the week you are seeking payment, when your hours have been reduced or when you are no longer employed. Do NOT wait until the week is over.
How to Apply for Unemployment
To apply for Unemployment Insurance, complete the following three steps:
- Gather the documentation related to your previous employment and information you will need for the application.
The documents and information that you must provide varies by state program. However, this information will generally include personal information such as your name and date of birth and information about your previous employers and wages.
- Choose how you are going to apply, whether online, over the phone or in person.
Each state determines how claimants can apply for Unemployment Benefits. Depending on your state program, you may be able to apply for benefits online, over the phone or in person.
- Submit the Unemployment application, which is also known as filing a claim.
How Unemployment Insurance Benefit Amounts Are Calculated
The amount of Unemployment Benefits you receive is based on your past reported earnings by employers that you have recently worked for in the state where your land is located.
State programs have unique methods for calculating weekly benefit amounts. States also set minimum and maximum amounts for benefits recipients.
I Just Applied for Unemployment Insurance. Now What?
- Report Your Waiting Week
The week after you file your unemployment claim is called the Waiting Week. During the Waiting Week, you must file a Biweekly or Weekly Certification Application and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements. If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week. You are not paid for the Waiting Week, but you do receive a Waiting Week credit.
- Start Looking for Work
Keep track of your work-search contacts. You are required to make a set number of contacts per week to receive payments and waiting week credit. The amount of contacts you must make depends on your state Unemployment Agency.
- Discuss Possible Issues
If you were discharged or quit your last job, expect a call (or email if that is your preferred contact method) to determine if you are eligible for unemployment insurance.
What Happens After You Are Approved for Unemployment Benefits?
You must file a Biweekly or Weekly Certification Application until you are employed again. This weekly or biweekly claim is like a follow-up application that certifies your continued eligibility for the program, and proves you are actively applying for new jobs. Biweekly and weekly claims can commonly be completed online or over the phone.
It’s important to remember that you will stop receiving Unemployment Benefits and your Unemployment Claim will be canceled if you do not file your weekly or biweekly claims.
How to Appeal an Unemployment Insurance Denial
If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal. Appeals must be submitted in a timely manner after you have received a decision letter from your state Unemployment Office. Your denial notice will include the deadline for filing an appeal.
Depending on the state where your land is located, you may be able to submit an appeal by mail, by fax, in person, over the phone or online.
Find contact information for State Unemployment Insurance Programs here to begin the appeal process.
Need More Help?
If you have general questions about Unemployment Benefits or how to file a claim, contact your state Unemployment Office. You can find a list of state contact information here.
You can also contact the U.S. Department of Labor with your questions by calling 1-866-487-2365. Live assistance is available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST. Or, you can email your questions here or mail your questions to:
U.S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
S-4524
200 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20210
View or Download Our Free Guide
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
- Contact the Department of Labor Unemployment Agency
- State Unemployment Agencies
- Need More Help?
- View or Download Our Free Guide
Contact the Department of Labor Unemployment Agency
Unemployment Insurance is regulated by the states. If you are a Native American in need of Unemployment Insurance, you must apply for benefits through the state wherein your land is located.
If you have general questions about Unemployment Benefits or an Unemployment Insurance claim, you may contact the state Unemployment Agency over the phone or by visiting a local office in person. Several states also provide online and email support to help you with your Unemployment claim.
You can also contact the U.S. Department of Labor with your questions by calling 1-866-487-2365. Live assistance is available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST. Or, you can email your questions here or mail your questions to:
U.S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
S-4524
200 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20210
State Unemployment Agencies
Find your state Unemployment Agency’s website and contact phone number below. Or, click here to view the U.S. Department of Labor’s national Unemployment Insurance page.
| State | Website | Contact Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | https://labor.alabama.gov/unemployment.aspx | (334) 242-8025 |
| Alaska | https://labor.alaska.gov/unemployment/ | (907) 269-4700 |
| Arizona | https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual | (877) 600-2722 |
| Arkansas | https://dws.arkansas.gov/workforce-services/unemployment/unemployment/ | (501) 682-2121 |
| California | https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/ | (800) 300-5616 |
| Colorado | https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/unemployment | (303) 318-9000 |
| Connecticut | https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-online/index.htm | (860) 263-6000 |
| District of Columbia | https://does.dc.gov/page/unemployment-compensation | (202) 724-7000 |
| Florida | https://www.floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/claimants | (800) 204-2418 |
| Georgia | https://dol.georgia.gov/individuals/unemployment-benefits | (877) 709-8185 |
| Hawaii | https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/ | Oahu: (808) 586-8970 Hilo: (808) 974-4086 Kona: (808) 322-4822 Maui: (808) 984-8400 Kauai: (808) 274-3043 |
| Idaho | https://www.labor.idaho.gov/dnn/Unemployment-Benefits | (208) 332-8942 |
| Illinois | https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/individuals/UnemploymentInsurance/Pages/default.aspx | (800) 244-5631 |
| Indiana | https://www.in.gov/dwd/2362.htm | (800) 891-6499 |
| Iowa | https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/file-claim-unemployment-insurance-benefits | (866) 239-0843 |
| Kansas | https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx | (800) 292-6333 |
| Kentucky | https://kcc.ky.gov/career/If-you-are-Unemployed/Pages/default.aspx | (502) 564-2900 |
| Louisiana | https://www.laworks.net/UnemploymentInsurance/UI_MainMenu.asp | (866) 783-5567 |
| Maine | https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/ | (800) 593-7660 |
| Maryland | https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml | (410) 949-0022 |
| Massachusetts | https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online | (617) 626-6338 |
| Michigan | https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-78421_97241---,00.html | (866) 500-0017 |
| Minnesota | https://www.uimn.org/ | (877) 898-9090 |
| Mississippi | https://mdes.ms.gov/unemployment-claims/ | (888) 844-3577 |
| Missouri | https://www.mo.gov/work/unemployment/ | (800) 320-2519 |
| Montana | https://uid.dli.mt.gov/ | (406) 444-2545 |
| Nebraska | https://dol.nebraska.gov/UIBenefits | (855) 995-8863 |
| New Hampshire | https://wfc.nhes.nh.gov/auth/sso/login;jsessionid=4BED4346D05D98B388025318520816FB?execution=e1s1 | (800) 852-3400 |
| New Jersey | https://myunemployment.nj.gov/ | North: (201) 601-4100 Central: (732) 761-2020 South: (856) 507-2340 |
| New Mexico | https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Unemployment | (877) 664-6984 |
| New York | https://dol.ny.gov/unemployment/unemployment-insurance-assistance | (888) 209-8124 |
| North Carolina | https://www.nc.gov/services/unemployment-benefits | (888) 737-0259 |
| North Dakota | https://apps.nd.gov/jsnd/uiiaclaims/login.htm | (701) 328-4995 |
| Oklahoma | https://oesc.ok.gov/ | (800) 555-1554 |
| Pennsylvania | https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx | (888) 313-7284 |
| Rhode Island | https://www.dlt.ri.gov/ui | (401) 243-9100 |
| South Dakota | https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/individuals/default.aspx | (605) 636-2179 |
| Tennessee | https://www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment.html | (877) 813-0950 |
| Texas | https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services | (800) 939-6631 |
| Utah | https://jobs.utah.gov/ui/home | (888) 848-0688 |
| Vermont | https://labor.vermont.gov/unemployment-insurance | (888) 807-7072 |
| Virginia | https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed | (866) 832-2363 |
| Washington | https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment | (800) 318-6022 |
| West Virginia | https://workforcewv.org/unemployment | (800) 379-1032 |
| Wisconsin | https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/ui/ | (844) 910-3661 |
Need More Help?
To find more information on Unemployment Benefits and Services, visit:
View or Download Our Free Guide
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
- How to Apply for Unemployment
- How to Check Your Application Status
- The Unemployment Benefits Waiting Week
- How to Appeal a Denial of Unemployment Benefits
- Need More Help?
- View or Download Our Free Guide
How to Apply for Unemployment
To apply for Unemployment Insurance, complete the following three steps:
- Gather the documentation related to your previous employment and information you will need for the application.
The documents and information that you must provide varies by state program. However, this information will generally include personal information such as your name and date of birth and information about your previous employers and wages.
- Choose how you are going to apply, whether online, over the phone or in person.
Each state determines how claimants can apply for Unemployment Benefits. Depending on your state program, you may be able to apply for benefits online, over the phone or in person.
- Submit the Unemployment application, which is also known as filing a claim.
How to Check Your Application Status
If you have already applied for Unemployment Insurance online, you can check the status of your application through the state’s claimant portal.
In some cases, you may also be able to check the status of your application by calling your local Unemployment Agency. Click here to view contact information for each state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency.
The Unemployment Benefits Waiting Week
You will not begin receiving Unemployment Benefits immediately after submitting the application. By law, you must wait one week before finding out whether you will begin receiving benefits. This is called the Waiting Week.
The Waiting Week is the week after you file your unemployment claim. During the Waiting Week, you must file a Biweekly or Weekly Certification Application and the Unemployment Office will make sure you are still unemployed or underemployed, and meet all other eligibility requirements. If approved, you will begin receiving your weekly benefits the following week. You are not paid for the Waiting Week, but you do receive a Waiting Week credit.
How to Appeal an Unemployment Insurance Denial
If your Unemployment Insurance application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal. Appeals must be submitted in a timely manner after you have received a decision letter from your state Unemployment Office. Your denial notice will include the deadline for filing an appeal.
Depending on the state where your land is located, you may be able to submit an appeal by mail, by fax, in person, over the phone or online.
Find contact information for State Unemployment Insurance Programs here to begin the appeal process.
Need More Help?
If you have general questions about Unemployment Benefits or how to file a claim, contact your state Unemployment Office. You can find a list of state contact information here.
You can also contact the U.S. Department of Labor with your questions by calling 1-866-487-2365. Live assistance is available from Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST. Or, you can email your questions here or mail your questions to:
U.S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
S-4524
200 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20210
View or Download Our Free Guide
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Unemployment Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
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