How to File an Unemployment Insurance Claim

Contact your state's unemployment office as soon as you become unemployed.

You hoped never to have to file an unemployment insurance claim, but now you do. Unemployment benefits help stabilize your financial situation as you transition to a new career. Benefits are administered by the states, so the claims process may be slightly different depending on where you live. When you first file your claim, the state agency will evaluate your eligibility before sending you benefits. Eligibility is based on your recorded earnings over a stated period of time prior to filing your claim.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number
• Contact information of past employers
• Recent wage statement

Instructions

1. Compile a list of all employers you've worked for over the two years prior to filing for unemployment. This will prepare you to answer your state's eligibility questions no matter where you live.

2. Locate or memorize your Social Security number. You must present this to receive benefits.

3. Obtain your most recent wage statement. If you received a termination package, keep this information handy.

4. Perform an Internet search for your state's unemployment office contact information. Each state has an office, usually part of the state's Labor Department. You must file for benefits at the state office where you live, even if you performed work in a different state.

5. Contact your unemployment insurance office the week you become unemployed. Some states assign appropriate days and times for you to file your claim based on your Social Security number. Your state's unemployment office website has information about when to file. Generally, everyone is free to file a claim toward the end of the week.

6. Answer all questions honestly and provide all the requested information. Typically, you must submit your Social Security number, name, contact information, type of profession, dates and reasons for unemployment, employers' contact information and attempts at finding new work.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you file your first claim, you must call or file online again every week you remain unemployed. You will not be paid benefits for weeks you do not file claims.

• You will not be paid benefits retroactively. Even if you don't have all the final paperwork from your previous employer, call the unemployment office the week you lose your job. Benefits begin the Sunday following your first notice of claim.

References

• Louisiana Workforce Commission: Frequently Asked Questions From Claimants Concerning Benefits
• Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth: Frequently Asked Questions - Jobless Worker
• Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training: Frequently Asked Questions About Unemployment Insurance
• Connecticut Department of Labor: Unemployment Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services: Unemployment Compensation FAQs