How to Sign Up for Unemployment in Missouri
Losing a job is never fun. However, when you are involuntarily out of work you may be eligible to sign up for unemployment in Missouri. As in other states you can receive partial compensation for lost wages for up to 26 weeks while you look for a new job. In Missouri you can file for unemployment either online or by telephone.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Social Security number
- Alien registration number (if not a US citizen)
- Information about your employment and wages for the previous 18 months
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1
Determine if you may be eligible to sign up for unemployment in Missouri. In general, you must be involuntarily unemployed. If you have been laid off you are likely to be eligible even if your employer intends to recall you in the future. The Division of Employment Security has a minimum earnings requirement. During a base period (the five quarters prior to losing your job) you must have had at least $1,500 in wages in one quarter and at least $750 during the rest of the time. There are several variations and exceptions to this so you’ll need to read the rules carefully (see Resources below). The main thing to remember is that the amount of your benefits will be calculated as a proportion on your earnings during the base period.
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2
Collect the information you’ll need to sign up for unemployment in Missouri. You must have your social security number (and if you are not a US citizen you also need your alien registration number). In addition have a list of every employer you have worked for during the previous 18 months along with their addresses and phone numbers and the dates you started and stopped working for each. Do this and sign up for unemployment in Missouri as fast as possible—your benefits will be paid from the time you file, not from the last date you worked.
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3
Use the telephone by calling the nearest Regional Claims Center. An automated answering system will answer. Follow the instructions and answer all questions. The system will then connect you with a representative to complete your application. For Jefferson City call 573-751-9040. The number for Kansas City is 816-889-3101 and in St. Louis 314-340-4950. In Springfield the number is 817-895-6551. If you live outside any of these areas you can call toll free at 1-800-320-2519.
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4
File online using the same information (see Step 2). Go to the Missouri Department of Labor and Human Resources Division of Employment Security website (see the Resources below) and fill out the application form. An account will be set up when you file and you will choose a PIN (Personal Identification Number) so you can check in each week and claim your unemployment benefits—they are not sent automatically.
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5
Conduct an ongoing job search. This is mandatory for you to receive unemployment benefits in Missouri. When your claim is processed, you will be required to register for work and fill out a work application. In addition you must make a minimum number of job applications (the number is determined when your claim is processed) and document these on the form the Division of Employment Security provides you.
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