Most frequent questions
Basics
What is unemployment insurance?
Unemployment insurance benefits replace part of the income you lose when you become unemployed.
How do I apply for benefits?
You may apply online using the Claimant Portal. We don’t accept claims over the telephone.
View the “Using the Claimant Portal” section for more information on claiming online.
Before you file
- When should I apply for benefits/file a claim?
- What information do I need to apply?
- How do I know if I am eligible for benefits?
Other factors
What is benefits fraud?
Unemployment insurance fraud happens when you give false information on your claim. Penalties for fraud include fines and felony charges.
Communication
How will I receive updates about my claim?
Make sure your contact information is listed correctly and is up to date in the claimant portal.
Failing to respond to the department’s communication in a timely manner will stop you from receiving benefits.
- Emails
Check your email regularly, you will receive updates on your claim. - Mail
Check your mail regularly, you will receive hard copy updates on your claim. - Phone calls
We may potentially be contacting you via phone. Make sure your voicemail inbox is not full. - Texts
You may opt in to receive texts. To learn more, click here.
Eligibility
What affects my eligibility?
Wages
Your eligibility depends on wages you have earned, amount of time you were at your job and more.
You meet Idaho’s monetary requirements if:
- You have earned enough in the base period.
- You have earned wages in at least 2 of the quarters in the base period.
- You have been paid at least $1,872 in wages in one of those quarters.
- Your total wages in your base period equals 1.25 times your highest quarter wages.
Calculating wages
- What is a base period?
- How is my weekly benefit amount determined?
- Can I use wages from another state, the military or federal government?
Other wage factors
Other factors
How you became unemployed (quit, laid-off or fired) also affects your eligibility.
Before you apply
- What are some of the reasons I could be denied benefits?
- Can I quit my job and collect benefits?
- I was just fired. Can I collect unemployment insurance benefits?
- Does pregnancy affect my eligibility?
- Can I attend school or training and receive UI benefits?
While on benefits
Denial of benefits
Do I have to look for work?
You must meet certain work search requirements every week to remain eligible for benefits.
Work search
- How will I know if I am required to look for work?
- Do I have to look for work if I have a seasonal job?
- Do I have to look for work if I belong to a union?
- If I am returning to work for my employer, what should I put for my required work search actions?
Work search tips
- How do I report my work search?
- Where can I find work search requirements?
- What is a valid work search action?
Other
What if I was recently in the military?
You may qualify for benefits depending on your reason for separation.
Using the Claimant Portal
How do I use the Claimant Portal?
Quick guides, how-to videos and resource materials will guide you through the process. The Claimant Portal is available seven (7) days a week, 24 hours a day, including holidays.
If you don’t have a computer at home, you can use one of our lobby computers at a Labor Office near you.
First steps
Work history
Managing claims
Other issues
How do I make weekly certifications?
You must tell us each week if you are still unemployed to get paid. You do this by filing your weekly certification on the Claimant Portal.
Weekly requirements
- When do I submit my weekly certification?
- What questions are on the weekly certification?
- Do I have to provide my work search actions?
Reporting earnings
Other questions
- What is a waiting week?
- What if I forget to file one week?
- Should I submit weekly certifications if I haven’t received a determination?
Note: You may change your answers to questions on the Claimant Portal any time before you submit your weekly certification. After you submit, you can’t change your responses. If you need to change an answer or have questions, call us at (208) 332-8942.
What is the status of my claim?
You must file your waiting week to certify your claim the first Sunday after you open your claim.
Payment
How do benefit payments work?
Payment method
Payments are issued as direct deposit to your checking or savings account or as money available to a U.S. Bank ReliaCard® issued to you.
When to expect 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.
- Why didn’t I receive a payment for the first week?
- How will I know if my payment was processed?
- What if I think my payment is late?
Extensions
There are no extended benefit programs available at this time.
What happens if I am overpaid?
Overpayments can happen for various reasons and you will need to return the money.
Do I need to report my 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.
Taxes
- Are unemployment insurance benefits taxable?
- Can I change my tax withholding on my unemployment insurance payments?
- What if I didn’t receive my 1099-G in the mail?
- Can I access my 1099-G information online?
- What if I disagree with the amount listed on my 1099-G?
- What if I repaid an overpayment?
- Can I request a 1099-G from prior years?
- What if I have other questions about my taxes?
Can money be deducted for child support payments?
Public Law 97-35 requires us to withhold funds from unemployment insurance benefits in cases where a child support enforcement agency is enforcing either a voluntary support agreement or a court order to pay money for child support. The Department of Health and Welfare enters information directly into the unemployment insurance system.
Any questions regarding child support enforcement deductions must be directed to the Department of Health and Welfare, Child Support Services, at its toll-free number of 1-800-356-9868.
Appeals
How do appeals work?
Find out basic information about filing an unemployment insurance appeal.
What happens in the hearing?
Learn more about what happens after you file your appeal and go through the hearing process.
Hearing basics
Assistance and witnesses
Accommodations
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 (UI), visit the department’s blog idaho@work.
Need additional help?
If you were unable to find your answer using the FAQs above, you may contact a claim specialist. See our average UI wait times page.
Click to chat is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Mountain Time.
For questions that need immediate attention, hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
For questions specific to a claim, you can send an email. The department will respond within two business days.