The Idaho Department of Labor recognizes the impact of the coronavirus on employers and workers, and we are here to assist. We continue to offer services online and by phone. We will update this web page with resources and information for you as it becomes available.

Information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance is a program for workers unemployed through no fault of their own and is not a paid sick leave program. An individual whose workplace is temporarily or permanently closed may file a claim for unemployment.

The CARES Act provides additional compensation, extensions and assistance for self-employed individuals. We are working with our partners at U.S. Department of Labor for further details so we can implement the changes, but it will take several weeks. Please be assured you will be made aware of any changes that will potentially impact your unemployment benefit claim. We will also post updated information on our FAQs, social media and the website.

Unemployment Insurance Claimants and Job Seekers

• Use the Idaho Claimant Portal to file for unemployment insurance benefits.
• Find claimant FAQs about unemployment insurance and COVID-19.
• Jobs to fill openings created by COVID-19 are available now. See COVID-19 essential job postings on IdahoWorks.
• To reach a Labor workforce consultant about our services, contact your nearest Labor office. See the office directory.

If you need assistance applying for unemployment insurance benefits, call the claims phone line at (208) 332-8942, but please be aware that call volume is extremely high and wait times are increasing. When at all possible, we recommend you file for unemployment online using the Claimant Portal.

Employer Resources

• Find employer FAQs about unemployment insurance and COVID-19.
• CARES Act 2020 Unemployment Insurance Program Letter.
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act Poster. (English)
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act Poster. (Español)
• Idaho’s Coronavirus Response Web page for business
• Idaho Commerce - COVID-19 Information.
• Idaho Department of Commerce disaster support for small businesses
• U.S. Small Business Administration - Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus.
• Idaho Economic Development Association – COVID-19 Business Toolkit
• Small Business Development Center seeks information on what help is needed.
• US Internal Revenue Service Coronavirus Tax Relief
• Business should use the Employer Portal to pay taxes, report wages and manage account information.
• SIDES E-Response - Receive and respond to benefit claims online.

Economic Impact

• Initial claims for unemployment insurance

Get Help

Statewide

• Idaho Food Bank
• Idaho School Feeding Sites
• Live Better Idaho
• Idaho 211 CareLine
• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Behavioral Health Distress Hotline
  888-330-3010 (Assistance is anonymous and confidential.)

Northern

• Community Action Partnership - helps local residents with a wide range of services including affordable housing, food and nutrition, and assistance for the aging.

Southwestern

• United Way of Treasure Valley Community Resource Page - highlights housing assistance, childcare assistance, health care, resources for educators and parents, transportation assistance and more.