Oklahoma Unemployment FAQs
We know our Oklahoma readers have various questions regarding the Oklahoma Unemployment Benefits program. We decided to set up this Oklahoma Unemployment FAQs page to address the most common questions we get.
More questions will be added as and when we receive reader feedback.
Oklahoma Unemployment FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Oklahoma Unemployment Insurance (UI) program.
This page post is divided into three parts:
- Questions about Applying for Oklahoma Unemployment Benefits
- What you should know about Oklahoma Unemployment Benefits
- Oklahoma Unemployment Debit Card Questions
Scroll down below to see each section.
Who is eligible for Unemployment in Oklahoma?
Anyone who is unemployed may file a claim for unemployment in Oklahoma.
However, generally, you must meet the following criteria to be eligible.
- You are unemployed through no fault of your own
- You are able and available to seek and accept work
- You earned a minimum of $1,500 from a covered employer during your base period.
Can Self-employed, Contract, or Gig Workers Apply?
Unfortunately, No. Since Unemployment Insurance (UI) is an insurance paid by Oklahoma employers, it is not available for self-employed, contract, or gig workers.
How do I file for Unemployment in Oklahoma?
Applications for Unemployment Benefits in Oklahoma are handled by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC).
Here’s a summary of how to file for unemployment benefits in Oklahoma:
Option 1 – Apply online
You can apply online at https://ui.ok.gov. (as shown in the image below).
If you have an account, click on the “SIGN IN” link to log in.
However, if you do not have an account, click on the “CREATE AN ACCOUNT” link.
Click here to be taken to the website.
Option 2 – Apply by Phone
Alternatively, you can also apply by phone at the numbers listed below.
(405) 525-1500 (Oklahoma City Calling Area)
(800) 555-1554 (Outside the Oklahoma City Calling Area)
(866) 284-6695 (TTY/TDD Calls)
You can call on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
The state unemployment offices are closed on weekends and holidays.
What Information Do I Need to Apply?
In order to complete the Oklahoma Unemployment application, you’ll need the following information and documents.
- Social Security Number
- Name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address
- Alien registration number and expiration date, if a non-citizen
- Oklahoma Driver’s License or state-issued ID card number
- Name and address of the company on your paycheck stub or W-2 form
- Employment start and end date
- Wages earned and how you were paid (hourly, weekly, monthly)
- Form SF8 or SF 50 if employed by the Federal government in the last 18 months
- DD Form 214 for military service in the previous 18 months
How to Collect Oklahoma Unemployment Benefits?
After you have submitted your unemployment application, you are required to complete a few additional steps to receive and continue receiving benefits:
Verify Your Identity
Once you have filed your initial claim, you will need to verify your identity online at UI.ok.gov, or by visiting a local Oklahoma Works office.
To locate an office near you, click here.
You will need 2 forms of ID when verifying in person.
Create an OKJobMatch account
Next, you will have to create an OKJobMatch account within seven (7) days of filing your initial application.
For more information visit – https://okjobmatch.com/.
Look for Work
The third task you have to perform in order to collect unemployment benefits in Oklahoma is to look for full-time work.
The OESC requires that you perform two (2) work search efforts each week benefits are claimed.
This can be done through okjobmatch.com, as well as other websites such as Indeed.com or LinkedIn.com.
Additionally, a log must be kept of efforts for auditing purposes.
If you need help, the OESC has template log, as well as an example log to assist with tracking.
File weekly claims
To get benefits, you have to file weekly claims on UI.ok.gov for every week you are unemployed. Weekly claims are necessary to receive benefits.
Attend OESC Appointments
Lastly, to keep getting unemployment benefits in Oklahoma, you must attend all required groups and appointments you may be scheduled for.
How do I file my weekly unemployment claim in Oklahoma?
After you have filed your initial application for unemployment benefits in Oklahoma, you must file weekly claims in order to receive benefits.
The weekly claim filing week begins on Sunday at 12:01 a.m. and ends on Saturday at midnight.
However, you cannot file a weekly claim until after the week is over.
If you attempt to file before the week has ended, your claim will not be accepted.
Here’s how to file your weekly claim:
Online
You can file online at – https://unemployment.state.ok.us.
Telephone
You also have the option to file your weekly claim by phone at:
Inside the OKC calling area use: (405) 525-1500
Outside the OKC calling area use: (800) 555-1554
How do I contact Oklahoma Unemployment Office?
You can reach the OESC at the contact information below:
Oklahoma Unemployment Service Center Phone Number – 405-525-1500
Employment services and in-person assistance – You can also visit your local Oklahoma Works offices located throughout the state.
To locate an office near you, click here.
Text Telephone System (TTY/TDD):
800-722-0353 To have calls relayed
800-522-8506 Voice Calls
To report a fraudulent unemployment claim, use the online fraud form.
Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service:
You can call the Way2Go customer service with questions or issues concerning benefit payments, debit cards, and automatic transfers at 866-320-8699 or by visiting goprogram.com.
Starting this coming Monday 10/4, the new Tulsa office location will be open to support claimants. The Tulsa staff has been temporarily combined with the Sapulpa office during this transition, but, as of Monday, claimants will be served from both locations. (Tweet 1 of 2) pic.twitter.com/SDijNiLhNJ
— OESCnews (@OESCnews) October 1, 2021
How Can I Get More Information about Oklahoma Unemployment?
If you need additional information about Oklahoma unemployment benefits, visit the OESC website at – https://oesc.ok.gov.
If you have more you cannot find answers to on the OESC website, you may find answers in the Oklahoma Unemployment handbook.
Click here to view the Oklahoma Unemployment Benefits handbook.
See the most frequently asked questions about Oklahoma unemployment benefits here.
What disqualifies you from getting unemployment in Oklahoma?
According to a recent news report, a staggering 40% of people who filed for unemployment in the state of Oklahoma have been deemed ineligible for benefits and left wondering what they should do next.
Here are the most common reasons you may be denied unemployment benefits by the Oklahoma Department of Economic Opportunity.
- Work-related misconduct
- Voluntary Resignation
- Not looking for work
- Being unable to work
- Refusal to Accept Suitable Work
- Not Meeting Earnings Requirements
- Immigration Status
- Attending School or Training
- Committing Unemployment Fraud
- Failure to File Appeal on Time
- Receiving severance pay
Can I Appeal a Denial of Unemployment Benefits in Oklahoma?
If the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) denies you unemployment insurance benefits, you can appeal.
After you file your initial claim for unemployment benefits, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission will send you a written determination of your eligibility for benefits.
If you are eligible, the letter will tell you how much you will receive in benefits.
However, if the OESC finds that you are not eligible for benefits or grants you benefits in a lower amount than you believe you are entitled to, you can appeal that decision.
Additionally, if the OESC finds you eligible to receive benefits, your ex-employer can appeal that decision.
If you have been denied benefits and received a written Notice of Determination, you have ten calendar days from the date of the notice to appeal.
You can email your appeal to uiappeals@oesc.state.ok.us, or call 1-800-555-1554 to appeal by phone. You can also appeal by fax or mail.
Will my employer know if I file for Unemployment?
When an employee files for unemployment, the employer will receive a notification from the state unemployment commission.
The notification will be based on information provided by the employee supporting his or her application for benefits.
Once the employer receives the claim notice they need to take action.
The action the employer takes depends on whether they want to contest the claim or not.
How DO I Login to Oklahoma Way2Go Account Online?
To log in to your Way2Go Card Oklahoma online account, the first thing you need to do is visit the GoProgram website.
You can visit the Go Program website for Way2Go Card Oklahoma can be found at www.goprogram.com.
See our step-by-step login process here.
How Do I Activate Oklahoma Way2Go Card?
To activate your Oklahoma Way2Go Unemployment Insurance Debit MasterCard, you have to contact the Way2Go customer service line at 1-866-320-8699.
Next, follow the instructions for card activation.
See our detailed card activation steps here.
How long does it take to get the Oklahoma Way2Go debit card?
Your Oklahoma Way2Go debit card will be mailed the day after your first eligible weekly certification has been filed.
It takes about 10-14 days to arrive.
I did not Receive my Oklahoma Way2Go debit card
If it has been more than 14 days since you filed your first eligible weekly certification, and have not received your debit card, here’s what you can do:
First, make sure you have received confirmation from OESC that you are eligible for unemployment benefits and payments have been issued.
If you have received confirmation that you are eligible for benefits then contact Way2Go Support at 866-320-8699 to resolve your missing card.
However, if no payments are showing as issued, there may be an issue with your claim.
In that case, call the Oklahoma Unemployment Service Center at 405-525-1500 to speak with a representative.
You can also contact your nearest Oklahoma Works office for assistance.
Click here to locate an office near you.
Can unemployment debit cards be expedited?
Yes. Way2Go debit cards can be expedited, but there is a fee for the additional mailing costs.
These will be deducted from the balance on the card.
To expedite your debit card, contact the Unemployment Service Center at 405-525-1500, your nearest Oklahoma Works office, or Way2Go card support at 866-320-8699.
How do I change my method of payment from a debit card?
Yes. However, you have to wait for your debit card first.
That’s because all Oklahoma unemployment benefits are issued to the Way2Go debit card first.
Therefore, if you would like these funds automatically transferred to your personal banking account, you can do so after receiving and activating your card.
To set up recurring transfers to your bank account, contact the Way2Go customer service at 866-320-8699 or visit their website at goprogram.com.
What are the fees associated with the Oklahoma Way2Go Card?
Here is the list of fees you can expect with the Oklahoma Way2Go card:
| All Fees | Fee Amount |
| Get Started | |
| Card Purchase | $0.00 |
| Monthly Usage | |
| Monthly Usage Fee | $0.00 |
| Spend Money | |
| Point-of-sale (POS) | $0.00 |
| Online Bill Pay | $0.75 |
| Getting Cash | |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee – In-Network | $0.00 |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee – Out of Network | $1.35 |
| Teller cash withdrawal | $0.00 |
| Getting Card Information | |
| ATM balance inquiry (in or out-of-network) | $0.50 |
| ATM denial (in or out-of-network) | $0.00 |
| Customer Service
• Five (5) calls for no fee per month |
$0.50 |
| Using your Card outside the U.S. | |
| International ATM Transaction | $1.35 |
| Foreign transaction fee | 3.00% |
| Other Fees | |
| Replacement card (one free every 12 months – $4.00 after) | $0.00 |
| Expedited shipping of replacement Card (2-5 calendar days) | $14.00 |
| Funds Transfer | $1.75 |
| Recurring Funds Transfer | $0.00 |
| Mobile text alert (one free per month – $0.10 after) | $0.00 |
| Monthly Inactivity Fee (after 12 consecutive months of inactivity) | $1.75 |
Oklahoma Unemployment FAQs Summary
We hope this post on Oklahoma Unemployment FAQs was helpful.
Still Have Questions?
For details about the Unemployment Debit Card, click here: Oklahoma Way2Go Unemployment Debit Card.
If you have further questions about Oklahoma Unemployment, Unemployment Benefits, or Unemployment Debit Cards, you can fill out the comment form below and we will answer your question ASAP.
Be sure to check out our other articles on Unemployment Benefits, including:
Whether Unemployment Benefits are Taxable
List of States Extending Unemployment Benefits
Massachusetts DUA Unemployment Debit Card
How to file for Unemployment (in all 50 States)
Unemployment office Phone Number (All 50 States)