What is unemployment insurance?
Unemployment insurance (UI) benefits replace part of the income you lose when you become unemployed. It is a benefit for workers who are out of work through no fault of their own. To be eligible, you must:
- Have been laid off due to lack of work.
- Chose to quit with good cause.
- Have been fired but not for misconduct.
UI benefits are paid through a tax on employers. The Idaho Department of Labor places collected taxes in a federal trust fund. Money from that fund can be used for unemployment benefits only.
Have I been paying into unemployment insurance?
No. UI benefits are drawn from taxes on employers only. In Idaho, employees don’t pay into the unemployment fund. Nothing comes out of your paycheck to support UI.
Can the department share my information?
We have strict rules about sharing information. The law may require us to share all claim information with interested parties, such as former employers.
The information you and your employers give to the department may be requested and used by other government agencies with which we have information-disclosure agreements. These agencies take actions to protect the privacy of your information.
We won’t give information to your friends, family or anyone else unless you tell us to in writing.
Can my claim be audited?
Each claim may be randomly reviewed by auditors. They check your wages earned during your base period, the reason you are out of work and your claim report details. Claims are reviewed regularly to make sure your information is true.
Discrimination
The department is an equal opportunity program. We don’t discriminate in employment or public service based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, political affiliation or belief.
We offer language help to those with limited English fluency. You can request other aids for any of our programs.
If you feel you have been discriminated against in any agency policy or practice, you may file a complaint with the local office manager or the state’s Equal Opportunity Officer at:
Idaho Department of Labor
317 W. Main St.
Boise, Idaho, 83735
or with:
Director, Civil Rights Center
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20210
All complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.
Where can I get help with unemployment insurance?
Unemployment insurance navigators are available to help claimants use and understand the unemployment insurance system. To make an appointment, visit the department’s local or mobile office directory for dates, times and locations.