Unemployment Insurance FAQ

Before Filing for Unemployment Insurance

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.

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Navigating the Claimant Portal

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.

 

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After Filing for Unemployment Insurance

What happens after I file a claim?

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

When will I receive my first payment?

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.

What do I need to do to keep receiving weekly payments?

You must complete certain requirements every week to remain eligible.

What happens if I am overpaid?

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

How do I protest or "appeal" when I am denied benefits?

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

What are my work search requirements?

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

Do I automatically get extended benefits if I use up all my regular benefits?

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

Do I need to report unemployment insurance benefits on my taxes?

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.

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More Information

It is not necessary for you to call to have a pending issue resolved. A claims representative will contact you by phone or email for additional information. Continue to file your weekly certifications.

For more FAQ and information on unemployment insurance, visit the Idaho Department of Labor's blog idaho@work.

Need additional help?

If you were unable to find your answer using the FAQs above, you may call the 800 number during the hours listed below.

(833) 410-1009

For questions that need immediate attention. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time.