Things You'll Need:
- Computer with Internet access Working telephone Employment information within 18-month period Layoff/termination paperwork Social Security Number Alien registration number, if applicable Union information, if applicable
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Step 1
Get help if you've been laid offVisit the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) website, if you have a computer (see Resources) and click on the option for Unemployment Insurance (UI) to begin the process for opening a new claim. You will be asked to provide a) your Social Security Number, b) the names, addresses and phone numbers for all employers within the last 18 months, c) your alien registration number, if applicable, and d) the name and number of your local union hall, if applicable.
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Step 2
Call to applyCall the UI Call Center at (866) 783-5567 or (800) 957-1605, if you do not have access to a computer. Do not get discouraged if you cannot reach someone immediately. During peak times of the day, these numbers may be busy, so you may have to try several times before you speak to an agent.
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Step 3
Visit an officeGo into the nearest LWC office to meet with a counselor face-to-face. Dress neatly and be well-groomed to show that you're a consummate professional, despite your unfortunate job situation. Speak clearly and answer questions as truthfully as possible because you will be asked to provide contact telephone numbers and other verification. Come prepared and have all required documentation available for this meeting.
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Step 4
Start looking for workWait patiently for correspondence from the LWC indicating that a) they need more information from you prior to making a decision or b) you have been approved or denied for benefits. Submit any additional documentation as quickly as you can to avoid delays or termination of your benefits. Always keep copies of communications between you and the LWC, as well as any paperwork you send to them, for your file.
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Step 5
Keep your sense of humourReceive your Claimant Guide to Benefit Rights Information (BRI) and familiarize yourself with the contents. Once you receive your Notice of Claim Determination informing you that you have been approved for UI benefits, file a weekly claim for continued benefits through either the Easy Call System (318-362-4276) or online (see Resources).
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Step 6
Keep up with the job huntContinue to actively search for work each week and keep written notes on any employment contacts you've made during that week, in case LWC asks for proof. Inform LWC of any changes in your job situation or address. You will be paid through a debit card (which will be sent to you by LWC upon approval of UI benefits) or through direct deposit into your personal bank account, if you so authorize.
Comments
eanyhow said
on 7/24/2009 LA Works only works when you don't have an issue with your claim. Reaching someone by phone is impossible. If having patience is greater than 2 weeks, then I'm not a patient person because that's how long I've tried to resolve an issue with them. You would have better luck calling a psychic than (866) 783-5567. At least the psychic could confirm whether a job was in your future.
They don't respond via emails either. I've sent many to different addresses.
Now that I'm back to work, I'm seriously considering telling them to keep their money.
If you must be unemployed, pray your in a different state.