Find out how the unemployment claim process works in each state, including how to apply, how applications are processed and what varies state to state.
Unemployment insurance is one of the most important protections American workers have. In July 2020, an estimated 16 million workers received bi-weekly payments from their state’s unemployment claim system. Workers nationwide collect an average of $378 a week from unemployment, which forms a vital link in the support network that many displaced workers depend on to maintain their housing and other basic needs.
Unemployment benefits are mandated by the federal government, which issues guidelines for states to implement their own programs. Nearly all benefit payments in the United States are processed on the state level, with each state operating its own department to take claims and dispense checks. There’s a great variety across states in the eligibility criteria and application procedures, though all states and territories adhere to federal guidelines when evaluating and paying out claims. Benefit amounts also vary by state, as do benefit periods and extension policies.
Arif Riyanto/UnsplashCommon Rules for Filing an Unemployment Claim
Despite the variations that exist among state systems, most unemployment insurance claims follow federal guidelines for eligibility and benefit payments.
As a rule, applicants who file an unemployment claim must be citizens or legal residents of the United States, live or work in the state where they are filing and have a qualifying work history that includes payments into the system. The length of time required to qualify for benefits and the amount awarded vary, but most systems pay beneficiaries every two weeks.
Applicants in most states can file an unemployment claim online through the states’ web portals. Most state websites require first-time applicants for unemployment benefits to create an account and register their home address, email address and personal phone number. Some states also require employer information that can go back as much as 18 months. After filing an unemployment claim, you can usually expect either a written request for information about your last job or you might be scheduled for a telephone interview.
As a rule, applicants are expected to have been either laid off for economic reasons or without cause. Most states allow the last employer to file an objection to the employee’s claim, which may result in an appeal process that varies by state. Some states, such as California, have provisions for granting unemployment benefits to workers who have been fired with cause, though this is uncommon.
Exceptions to the Unemployment Claim Filing Process
The unemployment claim process is similar in many states and territories, though there are variations. As a general rule, applicants can file online, by phone or in person at an unemployment office. There are two exceptions:
Florida
U.S. Virgin Islands
Limited Windows for Filing an Unemployment Claim
Many states accept initial unemployment claims online or by voice response phone systems 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Others, however, restrict the times and methods for first claims. In states that have live claims reps in their call centers, phone applications are generally accepted only during regular business hours, which are usually posted on the state’s website. The state of Hawaii and California’s Employment Development Department accept online claim submissions only during business hours.
Other states limit applicants’ access to the system by the first letter of their last name or by the last digit of their Social Security numbers. In these states, which include Kansas, Minnesota and New Hampshire, first-time claimants have designated days of the week to apply in an effort to stagger a high volume of new claims. Applicants in Nevada must contact a different department office based on whether they work in the northern or southern part of the state.
Filing Unemployment Claims in U.S. Territories
Each of the 50 states has its own state-level unemployment office. Usually, these offices follow federal rules for evaluating and paying unemployment claims, as well as enforcing various state rules unique to their own systems. In non-state territories of the United States, it is most common for federal rules to apply across the board, with little or no alteration at the territory level. These territories are home to more than 5 million U.S. citizens and include:
- The District of Columbia
- Puerto Rico
- S. Virgin Islands
Maksym Kaharlytskyi/UnsplashFollow each territory’s posted online guidelines for filing an unemployment claim, just as you would when filing in a state. Eligibility criteria are the same in most territories as they are in the states, though in many cases, the federal guidelines are more lenient than state rules. After approval of a claim, benefits in the territories are generally paid out in the same way, by check, debit card or direct deposit.
Here is an overview of each state’s unemployment claim process.
Alabama
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (855) 234-2856
Web Address: https://labor.alabama.gov/
Notes: Must have SSN, state ID or driving license, and most recent employer information.
Alaska
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: Anchorage: (907) 269-4700
Juneau: (907) 465-5552
Fairbanks: (907) 451-2871
Web Address: https://my.alaska.gov/Welcome.aspx
Notes: Must create a myAlaska account to apply online.
Arizona
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (877) 600-2722
Web Address: https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual/apply-ui-benefits
Notes: Applications are also accepted by mail.
Arkansas
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (501) 907-2590
Web Address: https://www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov/
Notes: Must have:
- SSN
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Employer’s name and address
- Name and number of your labor union
- Banking information for direct deposit>
California
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (800) 300-5616
Web Address: https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm
Notes: Online applications accepted during business hours only.
Colorado
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (303) 318-9000
Web Address: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/file-claim
Notes: Applicants must have valid photo ID and proof of residence in state.
Josh Rinard/UnsplashConnecticut
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (203) 941-6868
Web Address: https://portal.ct.gov/DOLUI
Notes: Must create an online account.
Delaware
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (302) 739-5473
Web Address: https://uics.delawareworks.com/Forms/Form_WL1
Notes: Applicants need:
- SSN
- Home address
- Phone number/email address
- Online PIN
- Direct deposit information
- Employer information
- Reason for leaving job
Florida
Apply Online: No
Contact Phone: (800) 204-2418
Web Address: https://www.FloridaJobs.org
Notes: Online applications portal closed.
Georgia
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (866) 598-4164
Web Address: https://dol.georgia.gov/regular-unemployment-insurance-ui
Notes: Phone number connects with interactive voice response system for new claims.
Hawaii
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (808) 586-8970
Web Address: https://huiclaims.hawaii.gov/#/
Notes: File online available only during these hours:
- Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. HST
- Weekends and Holidays 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. HST
Little Plant/UnsplashIdaho
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (833) 410-1009
Web Address: https://www2.labor.idaho.gov/ClaimantPortal/Login
Notes: Online registration required.
Illinois
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (800) 244-5631
Web Address: https://www2.illinois.gov
Notes: Third-party applications not allowed.
Indiana
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (800) 457-8283
Web Address: https://www.in.gov/dwd/2362.htm
Notes: Direct deposit available.
Iowa
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (515) 281-8149
Web Address: https://uiclaims.iwd.iowa.gov/UIInitialClaim/
Notes: Direct deposit available.
Kansas
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (913) 596-3500
Web Address: https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx
Notes: File online available only during these hours:
- Sunday from noon to Monday at 9:15 p.m.
- Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.
- Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Sunday
Kentucky
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (877) 369-5984
Web Address: http://www.kewes.ky.gov/
Notes: Applicants must have employer information covering the previous 18 months.
Louisiana
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (866) 783-5567
Web Address: https://www.louisianaworks.net/hire/vosnet/Default.aspx
Notes: Online portal includes multiple job seeker resources.
Kool C/UnsplashMaine
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (800) 593-7660
Web Address: https://reemployme.maine.gov/accessme/faces/login/login_local.xhtml
Notes: Applicants must create an account online.
Maryland
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (877) 293-4125
Web Address: https://beacon.labor.maryland.gov/beacon/claimant-page.html
Notes: Applicants must create an account online.
Massachusetts
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (617) 626-6800
Web Address: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits
Notes: Applicants must have employer information and proof of residence.
Michigan
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (866) 500-0017
Web Address: https://miwam.unemployment.state.mi.us/ClmMiWAM/_/
Notes: Applicants must create an account online.
Minnesota
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (877) 898-9090
Web Address: https://www1.uimn.org/ui_applicant/applicant/login.do
Notes: Telephone claims may be filed between the hours of 6:00 am and 8:00 pm Central Time, Sundays through Fridays. Online applications are accepted only on certain days, which vary by the Social Security number of the applicant.
Mississippi
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (888) 844-3577
Web Address: https://www.mdes.ms.gov/information-center/about-mdes/online-services/
Notes: Applicants must create an online profile and set a PIN.
Missouri
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (800) 320-2519
Web Address: https://uinteract.labor.mo.gov/benefits/home.do
Notes: Claims tracker no longer available from the main page.
Montana
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (406) 444-2545
Web Address: https://montanaworks.gov/Job-Seeker-UI-Claimant
Notes: New applicants must create a MontanaWorks account.
Jerad Hill/UnsplashNebraska
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (855) 995-8863
Web Address: https://neworks.nebraska.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx
Notes: Eligibility standards temporarily loosened due to COVID-19.
Nevada
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (775) 684-0350
Web Address: http://ui.nv.gov/css.html
Notes: Applicants are grouped into north Nevada and south Nevada application systems.
New Hampshire
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (603) 271-7700
Web Address: https://www.nhes.nh.gov/index.htm
Notes: Due to COVID-related application volumes, applicants can only apply on certain days based on the first letter of their last names.
New Jersey
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (201) 601-4100
Web Address: https://myunemployment.nj.gov/labor/myunemployment/before/about/howtoapply/applyonline.shtml
Notes: Applicants may call (888) 795-6672 if filing from out of state.
New Mexico
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (877) 664-6984
Web Address: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/en-us/Unemployment
Notes: Initial applications and weekly certification may be done by phone.
New York
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (888) 209-8124
Web Address: https://dol.ny.gov/unemployment/unemployment-insurance-assistance
Notes: Direct deposit and debit card payments are available.
Oliver Niblett/UnsplashNorth Carolina
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (888) 737-0259
Web Address: https://fed.des.nc.gov/ofis/citizen/pages/public/SelfRegStart.aspx
Notes: Applications may be filed by phone Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
North Dakota
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (701) 328-4995
Web Address: https://apps.nd.gov/jsnd/uiiaclaims/login.htm
Notes: Phone applications are accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CT.
Ohio
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (877) 644-6562
Web Address: https://unemployment.cmt.ohio.gov/
Notes: Applicants must create an account to file online.
Oklahoma
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (800) 555-1554
Web Address: https://unemployment.state.ok.us/W3.aspx
Notes: Phone applications are available through the automated voice response system.
Oregon
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (877) 345-3484
Web Address: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/pages/default.aspx
Notes: Applicants may be eligible for help with paying for rent, utilities or childcare.
Zack Spear/UnsplashPennsylvania
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (800) 313-7284
Web Address: https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/
Notes: Applicants must use the name that appears on their Social Security cards.
Rhode Island
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (401) 243-9100
Web Address: https://dltweb.dlt.ri.gov/UIClaims2013/intro/welcome.aspx
Notes: Applicants must give a valid email address for contact from the department about the process or job opportunities.
South Carolina
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (866) 831-1724
Web Address: https://dew.sc.gov/individuals/apply-for-benefits
Notes: Phone applications available Monday through Friday, 8 am through 4 pm.
South Dakota
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (605) 626-3179
Web Address: https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/individuals/default.aspx
Notes: Phone applications can be made by phone on a staggered schedule. Applicants with last names starting with the letters A through F can all on Mondays, G through N on Tuesday, and all others on Wednesday.
Tennessee
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (844) 224-5818
Web Address: https://www.jobs4tn.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx
Notes: Assistance is also available from the department with applying for SNAP.
Texas
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (800) 939-6631
Web Address: https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services#applyBenefits
Notes: Phone applications can be submitted 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CT, Monday through Friday.
Enrique Macias/UnsplashUtah
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (801) 526-9675
Web Address: https://jobs.utah.gov/ui/home/initialclaims
Notes: First-time applicants must use their Social Security number and employment history to set up an account at the state’s Employment Portal.
Vermont
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (877) 214-3330
Web Address: https://labor.vermont.gov
Notes: Up to $1,200 pre-payment may be available for new claims.
Virginia
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (866) 832-2363
Web Address: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/online-services/apply-for-unemployment-benefits
Notes: Phone applications accepted Monday through Friday, 8:15 am to 4:30 pm.
Washington
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (800) 318-6022
Web Address: https://secure.esd.wa.gov/home/
Notes: New applicants must create an account at the SAW Online Portal.
West Virginia
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (800) 252-5627
Web Address: https://uc.workforcewv.org/consumer/
Notes: Applications must be submitted online or by phone but will not be accepted in person.
Sandra Seitamaa/UnsplashWisconsin
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (608) 266-3131
Web Address: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/
Notes: (608) 266-3131
Wyoming
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (307) 473-3789
Web Address: https://wyui.wyo.gov/benefits/home.do
Notes: Out-of-state applicants can apply by calling (866) 729-7799.
District of Columbia
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (202) 724-7000
Web Address: https://does.dcnetworks.org/InitialClaims/
Notes: Federal rules apply for all applicants.
Puerto Rico
Apply Online: Yes
Contact Phone: (787) 945-7900
Web Address: https://desempleo.trabajo.pr.gov/
Notes: Federal rules apply for all applicants, who must have worked in Puerto Rico for at least two quarters within the last 18 months.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Apply Online: No
Contact Phone: (340) 776-3700
Web Address: https://www.vidol.gov/applyforui/
Notes: Federal rules apply for all applicants. Applications must be made in person at a local office.
Cyrus Crossan/Unsplash
