What is unemployment insurance?

Unemployment insurance benefits replace part of the income you lose when you become unemployed.

How do I apply for benefits?

Apply for benefits online using the Claimant Portal.

How do I know if I meet monetary eligibility requirements to receive benefits?

Monetary eligibility depends on wages you have earned, amount of time you were at your job and more.

How do I know if I meet personal eligibility requirements to receive benefits?

How you became unemployed - quit, laid-off - is one determination of personal eligibility.

What is unemployment insurance fraud and how can it be avoided?

Claimants who fraud the system can face many penalties including possible felony conviction.

What if I have been recently separated from the military?

You may qualify for unemployment insurance benefits depending on your reason for separation.

What if I am a first-time user?

Register as a New User on the Claimant Portal and follow the how-to guides.

How do I use the Claimant Portal?

Quick guides, how-to videos and resource materials will guide you through the process.

How do I make weekly certifications?

Submit your weekly certification using your Claimant Portal account. Follow the prompts in the Manage Claims section.

How do I sign up to receive payment by debit card or direct deposit?

Select your payment method using your Claimant Portal account. Follow the prompts in the Manage Claims section.

You must file your waiting week to certify your claim the first Sunday after you open your claim.

If there are no eligibility issues and you submit timely weekly certifications, your first payment will be available about two and a half weeks after you submit your application for benefits.

You must complete certain requirements every week to remain eligible.

Overpayments can happen for various reasons and you will need to return the money.

You can appeal a decision if you have been denied benefits or disagree with the decision.

You must meet certain work search requirements every week to remain eligible for benefits.

Recent federal budget reductions call for cuts to extended unemployment insurance benefits.

Yes. If you collected or repaid unemployment insurance benefits, you are required to file a tax return. You will receive a summary of benefits from the Department of Labor by the end of January for benefits you received the previous year.