You may not be eligible for unemployment benefits if you:

• Left your job for personal reasons not related to work
• Were fired for misconduct
• Are not legally authorized to work in the United States
• Are self-employed
• Are currently receiving workers’ compensation
• Refuse to apply for or accept suitable work
• Refuse to return to work after being laid off
• Are on leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (you are not considered unemployed)

What information is required to file an Unemployment Insurance Claim?

• Your Social Security Number
• Your mailing and physical address
• Your telephone number
• Your last employer’s name and address
• The name and number of your labor union if you find work through a union
• Your Alien Identification Number or registration information if you are not a US Citizen
• Your banking information if you wish to receive UI payments by Direct Deposit

How long does it take to file a claim online?

• The claim process should take approximately 30 minutes.
• You may experience delays when saving each page. Please be patient and do not interrupt the process.

How can I save my claim and finish filing later?

• You may exit the claim filing process at any time by clicking “Log Out.” If you click “Log Out,” any information you have entered on the screen will not be saved; however, any information you have entered prior to that screen will be saved for 24 hours. You must complete any remaining portions of the application process within 24 hours. Any partially completed claim information will be lost if you do not complete the application within that time. Remember that the effective date of your claim is the day you SUBMIT the application, not the day it is saved.
• Any information you have entered and saved will automatically be saved for 24 hours in the event of a system failure.
• Your claim is effective the day you submit the claim and receive confirmation the application has been accepted.

What do I do after I file my claim?

• Once you have completed the online application for benefits, click on the SUBMIT button and wait for the Confirmation Page. Save (or print) the Confirmation Page for your records as proof of filing.
• Provide proof of ID following the instructions on your Confirmation Page.
• Register for work and conduct your required job search activities.
• Read all notices you receive from the Division of Workforce Services and follow any instructions provided.
• File weekly claims for each week you are unemployed.
• You will receive your unemployment insurance benefits on a debit card unless you choose to receive your benefits through direct deposit. You will have the option to set up this payment method on the Confirmation Page.
• See more details in the 5 Steps for Filing for Unemployment Insurance below.

Will I be required to report to an office after filing my claim?

• There may be some circumstances where you may still be required to report to your Local Office, although most items are handled online.
• Certain circumstances require you to mail or fax documents to your Local Office before processing your claim. These documents must be received within 10 days, or your claim will not be processed.
• Your claim’s Confirmation Page, which provides information and instructions, will address any additional action you need to take.