How to File for Unemployment Benefits (2021 Guide)
If you have lost your job, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance (UI), which is temporary income to support you while you look for a new job. In this post, we will detail what you need to know to file for unemployment benefits in your state.
This post will cover:
- How Unemployment Benefits Work
- What You Need to File for Unemployment Benefits
- What Happens after you file for Unemployment Benefits
- Tips for Applying for Unemployment Benefits
- How to File for Unemployment Benefits in each state
How Unemployment Benefits Work
If you lost your job through no fault of your own, have qualifying wages in the past 18 months, and are able and available to work, you may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a benefit program for workers who have lost their job by no fault of their own.
According to the United States Department of Labor (DOL), the average weekly unemployment benefit amount is about $318.
Depending on your state, this amount may be less or more.
Qualified applicants are only eligible for a maximum of 26 weeks of unemployment insurance in a year.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has passed legislation to extend unemployment benefits beyond 26 weeks.
Additionally, there are several supplemental programs that have been introduced by the federal government to increase the size of weekly benefits.
This includes the following programs:
Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Programs
| Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation $300 (FPUC) | December 27, 2020 – March 13, 2021 | This is a federal program providing an additional $300 weekly benefit. |
| Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) | December 27, 2020 – March 13, 2021 | Additional $100 a week for claimants receiving UI, PEUC, or EB who also meet self-employment income requirements. |
| Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) | July 26 – September 5, 2020 | This is a FEMA-funded program providing an additional $300 weekly benefit |
| Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation $600 (FPUC) | March 29 – July 25, 2020 | This is a federal program providing an additional $600 weekly benefit. |
The best time to file a claim is during the first week you become totally or partially unemployed.
That’s because an unemployment compensation claim becomes effective when filed.
Therefore, if you choose to wait to file your claim, then you may not go back to the date you first became unemployed.
What You Need to File for Unemployment Benefits
Here’s what you need to file for unemployment benefits in your state:
Note that your state may require additional information.
However, the list below is generally what you will need to apply for benefits.
To file for Unemployment benefits, you need to provide personal information including:
- Social Security number
- Birthdate
- Home address
- Email address (optional in some states)
- Phone number
Furthermore, you also need information about your employment history from the last 15 months, including:
- Names of all employers, plus addresses and phone numbers
- Reasons for leaving those jobs
- Work start and end dates
- Recall date (if you were laid off but have a set date to return to work)
Also, you may need additional information in certain situations:
- If you are not a U.S. citizen — your Alien Registration number
- If you have children — their birth dates and Social Security numbers
- For those who are members of a union — your union name and local number
- If you were in the military — your DD-214 Member 4 form. If you don’t have it, you can request your DD-214 online.
- For those who worked for the federal government — your SF8 form (optional)
Scroll down below for information on how to file for Unemployment benefits in your state
What Happens after you File for Unemployment Benefits
Here’s what to expect after you have successfully filed your claim for unemployment benefits.
Step 1 – Request weekly benefits
You must request weekly benefits every week that you are unemployed.
This is perhaps the most important weekly task you must perform to keep your benefits, in addition to looking for a new job.
You will make your first weekly benefit request the week after you file your claim for unemployment benefits.
Step 2 – Begin your work search
Next, you must begin searching for work immediately.
You are required to perform 3 work search attempts (varies by state).
Furthermore, you must track your search for new employment by using the Work Search Activity Log tool or process provided by your state.
Step 3 – Your Unemployment Application will be Reviewed
Next, your state’s unemployment agency will review your application and confirm the details of your application with your former employer.
If you provided an email address when you filed your claim, you will receive an email from your state’s agency asking you to verify your email address.
Step 4 – You will Receive Monetary Determination
After your application has been reviewed, your state’s unemployment agency will send you an “Unemployment Insurance Monetary Determination” letter.
This is a letter that tells you how much you’ll potentially receive in unemployment benefits.
The letter will include:
- The start date of your unemployment claim
- Your base period
- The amount of wages reported by each employer
- Your weekly benefit amount
- Your total benefit amount
The information in the letter will show whether you have earned enough wages to establish an unemployment claim.
However, if you believe that wages on your “Determination Letter” are incorrect or missing information, contact your state’s unemployment agency for assistance.
You will be asked to provide proof of the correct wages (check stubs, W–2 statements, or other documents) in order to review your claim.
It is important to note that a monetary determination letter does not mean you will receive unemployment benefits.
Additional information may be needed from you and/or your employer to make sure you are eligible.
However, you must continue to file your weekly claim for payment while your claim is being investigated.
Step 5 – Respond to questionnaires from the state Agency
Also, if there are questions about your eligibility for unemployment benefits, you’ll receive a fact-finding questionnaire from your state’s unemployment agency.
They will request additional information from you.
You must respond to this questionnaire by the deadline specified.
Failure to respond may result in disqualification from receiving benefits.
Respond to requests for information about your unemployment claim
Step 6 – You will Receive a Non-Monetary Determination
Next, you will receive a notice that tells you whether you’ve been approved for unemployment benefits.
If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision within 10 days.
Step 7 – Start receiving your benefit payments
If you are approved for unemployment benefits, you will receive your benefit payment according to the payment preference that you selected upon applying for benefits.
Depending on your state, your payment options will include all or two of the following:
- Paper Check
- Direct Deposit into a Bank Account
- Unemployment Debit Card (similar to a bank debit card)
If you select Direct Deposit, you will need the following information:
- Your Bank Routing Number (First 9 digits located at the bottom of your checks), and
- Bank Account Number (5-17 digits, its exact location and number of digits varies from bank to bank).
However, if you do not make a selection for a payment method, you are likely to receive your benefits on an unemployment debit card.
You are allowed to switch payment methods later, once you start receiving benefits.
Tips for Applying for Unemployment Benefits
The unemployment benefits application process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants.
Follow the tips below to help you navigate the process better and also increase your chances of getting approved quickly, assuming you are eligible.
Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits Immediately
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, it can take about 2–3 weeks from the day you applied to receive your first unemployment payment.
Therefore, if you are eligible to receive unemployment insurance, the sooner you file your claim the sooner you’ll receive your benefits.
Also, the sooner you file, the less likely you are to tap into your savings or use a credit card to cover essential expenses.
Double Check for Errors
Furthermore, it is important that every time you file for unemployment claims, you fill everything out correctly.
Errors can delay payments, and multiple inconsistencies can seem suspicious, jeopardizing your ability to qualify for benefits.
Continue to Request Weekly Benefits
It can take a few weeks for your unemployment benefits application to be processed.
It is important that while you wait, you continue to request weekly benefits after you apply even if you haven’t heard back from the state’s unemployment agency.
Apply for an Extension
Unemployment insurance benefits are temporary. In most states, you can get benefits for up to 26 weeks.
However, some states offer benefits for only 13 weeks or fewer.
If you have exhausted your regular unemployment insurance benefits and are still between jobs here’s what you can do:
If your state is experiencing particularly high levels of unemployment, you may be eligible to receive up to 13 additional weeks or more depending on the state and the circumstances.
Furthermore, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has programs that extend unemployment benefits beyond the state limits.
Check with your state’s unemployment agency for information on how to apply for an extension.
How to File for Unemployment Benefits in each state
Here’s the information you need to file for unemployment benefits in all 50 states and territories.
| State | Agency | Phone Number(s) | Website to Apply |
| Alabama | Alabama Department of Labor | 334-242-8025 | File for AL Unemployment Online |
| Alaska | Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development | 907-269-4700 | File for AK Unemployment Online |
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Economic Security | 1-877-600-2722 | File for AZ Unemployment Online |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Department of Workforce Services | 501-682-2121 | File for AR Unemployment Online |
| California | California Employment Development Department | 1-800-300-5616 | File for CA Unemployment Online |
| Colorado | Colorado Department of Labor and Employment | 303-318-9000 | File for CO Unemployment Online |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Department of Labor | 1-800-956-3294 | File for CT Unemployment Online |
| Delaware | Delaware Department of Labor | New Castle County: 302-761-6576 Other Areas: 1-800-794-3032 |
File for DE Unemployment Online |
| District of Columbia | District of Columbia Department of Employment Services | 202-724-7000 | File for D.C Unemployment Online |
| Florida | Florida Department of Economic Opportunity | 1-800-204-2418 | File for FL Unemployment Online |
| Georgia | Georgia Department of Labor | 1-877-709-8185 | File for GA Unemployment Online |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations | Oahu: 808-586-8970 Hilo: 808-974-4086 Kona: 808-322-4822 Maui: 808-984-8400 Kauai: 808-274-3043 |
File for HI Unemployment Online |
| Idaho | Idaho Department of Labor | 208-332-8942 | File for ID Unemployment Online |
| Illinois | Illinois Department of Employment Security | 1-800-244-5631 | File for IL Unemployment Online |
| Indiana | Indiana Department of Workforce Development | 1-800-891-6499 | File for IN Unemployment Online |
| Iowa | Iowa Workforce Development | 1-866-239-0843 | File for IA Unemployment Online |
| Kansas | Kansas Department of Labor | 1-800-292-6333 | File for KS Unemployment Online |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Career Center Office of Unemployment Insurance | 502-564-2900 | File for KY Unemployment Online |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Workforce Commission | 1-866-783-5567 | File for LA Unemployment Online |
| Maine | Maine Department of Labor | 1-800-593-7660 | File for ME Unemployment Online |
| Maryland | Maryland Department of Labor | 410-949-0022 | File for MD Unemployment Online |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance | 617-626-6338 | File for MA Unemployment Online |
| Michigan | Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity | 1-866-500-0017 | File for MI Unemployment Online |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development | Twin Cities Area: 651-296-3644 Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090 |
File for MN Unemployment Online |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Department of Employment Security | 1-888-844-3577 | File for MS Unemployment Online |
| Missouri | Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations | 1-800-320-2519 | File for MO Unemployment Online |
| Montana | Montana Department of Labor and Industry | 406-444-2545 | File for MT Unemployment Online |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Department of Labor | 1-855-995-8863 | File for NE Unemployment Online |
| Nevada | Nevada Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation | Northern Nevada: 775-684-0350 Southern Nevada: 702-486-0350 Rural Areas and Out of State Callers: 1-888-890-8211 |
File for NV Unemployment Online |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Department of Employment Security | 1-800-852-3400 | File for NH Unemployment Online |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development | North New Jersey: 201-601-4100 Central New Jersey: 732-761-2020 South New Jersey: 856-507-2340 Out-of-state claims: 1-888-795-6672 |
File for NJ Unemployment Online |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions | 1-877-664-6984 | File for NM Unemployment Online |
| New York | New York Department of Labor | 1-888-209-8124 | File for NY Unemployment Online |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Department of Commerce | 1-888-737-0259 | File for NC Unemployment Online |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Job Service | 701-328-4995 | File for ND Unemployment Online |
| Ohio | Ohio Department of Job and Family Services | 1-877-644-6562 | File for OH Unemployment Online |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Employment Security Commission | 1-800-555-1554 | File for OK Unemployment Online |
| Oregon | Oregon Employment Department | 1-877-345-3484 | File for OR Unemployment Online |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry | 1-888-313-7284 | File for PA Unemployment Online |
| Puerto Rico | Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources | 787-625-7900 | File for PR Unemployment Online |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training | 401-243-9100 | File for RI Unemployment Online |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce | 1-866-831-1724 | File for SC Unemployment Online |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation | 605-626-3179 | File for SD Unemployment Online |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development | 1-877-813-0950 | File for TN Unemployment Online |
| Texas | Texas Workforce Commission | 1-800-939-6631 | File for TX Unemployment Online |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Labor | 340-773-1994 | File for UVI Unemployment Online |
| Utah | Utah Department of Workforce Services | Salt Lake and South Davis Counties: 801-526-4400 Weber and North Davis Counties: 801-612-0877 Utah County: 801-375-4067 Other Counties and Out of State: 1-888-848-0688 |
File for UT Unemployment Online |
| Vermont | Vermont Department of Labor | 1-888-807-7072 | File for VT Unemployment Online |
| Virginia | Virginia Employment Commission | 1-866-832-2363 | File for VA Unemployment Online |
| Washington | Washington Employment Security Department | 1-800-318-6022 | File for WA Unemployment Online |
| West Virginia | Workforce West Virginia | 1-800-379-1032 | File for WV Unemployment Online |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development | 1-844-910-3661 | File for WI Unemployment Online |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Department of Workforce Services | 307-473-3789 | File for WY Unemployment Online |
How to File for Unemployment Benefits Summary
We hope this post on how to file for Unemployment Benefits was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about Unemployment Benefits or Unemployment Debit Cards, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles on Unemployment Benefits, including:
Nevada Unemployment Debit Card Guide
Maryland Unemployment Debit Card Guide
Whether Unemployment Benefits are Taxable
List of States Extending Unemployment Benefits
Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card
Check the Balance on Your ReliaCard