Alabama
To file for unemployment in Alabama, visit the state claims page here, log in, and follow the instructions. You’ll need your social security number and your most recent employment information to do so. For identity verification purposes, you will also need a driver’s license or state-issued ID card and your mother’s maiden name.
If you’re unable to file online, you can also file for unemployment in Alabama by telephone. Check out this list for the appropriate number.
If you have further questions, please visit the Alabama Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance Program page.
Alaska
You can file for unemployment in Alaska by clicking “Unemployment Insurance Benefits” at this link. You’ll need to register a myAlaska account to file your claim.
If you need assistance regarding an already filed or in-progress claim, call the claim center closest to your area, as listed in this directory. You can also find general unemployment information for Alaska here.
Delaware
To file for unemployment in Delaware, you’ll need to start an online claim on the state website. Please note that after you file your claim, you’ll also have to register with the state’s Claimant Portal in order to submit information and documents to the appropriate offices.
You can also speak with a live agent here or contact support if you have any questions or concerns.
For your reference, the Delaware Department of Labor also currently provides general unemployment information on its website, as well as a convenient Unemployment Benefits FAQ.
Florida
Florida refers to its unemployment program as “Reemployment Assistance Benefits.” To file for unemployment in Florida, start the process through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity or call directly at (833) 352-7759.
If you plan to apply online, refer to the Apply of Benefits page for guides and step-by-step videos on how to file a claim through the Reconnect self-service portal.
For more information on reemployment assistance in Florida, visit the Reemployment Assistance Service Center.
Hawaii
You can file for unemployment in Hawaii by registering with the state’s online portal, but please note that the portal restricts the hours during which a claim can be submitted.
For general unemployment information, visit the state of Hawaii’s Unemployment Insurance website.
Indiana
You can only file for unemployment in Indiana via the state’s Claimant Self-Service (CSS) Portal, but the Department of Workforce Development also offers extensive information resources through its Indiana Unemployment directory. You can also read the Indiana Unemployment Claimant Handbook for an in-depth look at the process.
Kansas
You can access general information and file for unemployment in Kansas through the internet or telephone by accessing the Kansas Department of Labor’s Unemployment Benefits home page. The website also offers tutorial videos and a benefits calculator to prepare for the application process.
Please note that you will be required to register or log in to the state’s online portal to file an application or weekly claim. This portal is only available at certain hours of the day, so make sure to do your research ahead of time.
Louisiana
To file for unemployment in Louisiana, you’ll have to register with and work through the state’s HiRE program online portal or call directly at (866) 783-5567. In the portal, you can also find eligibility and payment information for a smoother application process.
Additional unemployment and reemployment information can be found on the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s home page.
Maine
To file for unemployment in Maine, workers must first create a ReEmployME online account and then file a claim through the Maine Department of Labor’s online portal. Alternatively, workers in Maine can file by an automatic telephone service at (800) 593-7660.
We also advise that you refer to the Maine Department of Labor’s website for more information before starting the application process.
Mississippi
You can file for unemployment in Mississippi by calling (601) 493-9427 or by accessing the Mississippi Department of Employment Security’s Online Services System.
General information on unemployment insurance claims can be found on the MDES benefits home page.
Montana
To file for unemployment in Montana, you can access the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s UI Claimant Center or call their Claims Processing Center at (406) 444-2545.
General unemployment information can be found on the Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Unemployment Insurance Division home page.
Nebraska
In order to file for unemployment in Nebraska, you’ll first have to register an account on Nebraska’s reemployment website, NEworks, where you can also find information about unemployment services. After you’ve registered, you can log into the system and file a claim under the Unemployment Services menu.
For further information, the Nebraska Department of Labor provides a detailed FAQ on filing an application.
New Hampshire
To file for unemployment in New Hampshire, log in to the New Hampshire Employment Security’s online portal. The portal also features a step-by-step guide on how to file for unemployment benefits.
You can also reach out with questions to the Unemployment Assistance Hotline at (603) 271-7700 between the hours of 8:30AM and 4:30PM, Mondays through Fridays.
Workers also have the option to file in person at a New Hampshire Employment Security Office during working hours.
New Mexico
The easiest way to file for unemployment in New Mexico is to register an account with the New Mexico Workforce Connection Online System and file your initial claim online.
Claimants may also file via telephone at (877) 664-6984. After following the automated prompts, your call will be transferred to a live Customer Service Agent who will complete your claim. The Unemployment Insurance Operations Center is open between 8AM and 4:30PM, Mondays through Fridays.
Workers affected by natural disasters, such as the recent fires in New Mexico, can also apply for Disaster Unemployment Insurance.
North Dakota
To file for unemployment in North Dakota, you can either file your claim online or by telephone using the automated system at (701) 328-4995. The telephone system is live Monday through Friday between 8AM and 5PM.
Before you file, be sure to read the relevant information regarding unemployment eligibility. Another valuable resource is the Unemployment for Individuals page, which features a benefits calculator, claimant guide, and how-to videos.
Ohio
You can file for unemployment in Ohio either online by registering an account with your social security number or by telephone at (877) 644-6562. Phone services are available Mondays through Fridays between 8AM and 5PM.
Workers can learn more by reading the Quick Tips and Step-by-Step Guide for filing unemployment claims.
Oklahoma
To file for unemployment in Oklahoma, we advise that you file online using the state’s Claimant Access Link. Before you begin, helpful information regarding the filing process can be found here.
If you experience any difficulties with the online system filing an initial or weekly claim, you can always use Oklahoma’s Interactive Voice Response System at (405) 525-1500. This line is available Mondays through Fridays between 8AM and 4:15PM.
Oregon
As of March 2024, Oregon has shifted its unemployment services to Frances Online. To file for unemployment benefits, you must create an account on this website. It also offers a variety of guides and resources to help you through the procedure.
General information regarding unemployment insurance can also be found on this page.
Pennsylvania
To file for unemployment insurance in Pennsylvania, check out the Office of Unemployment Compensation website. When you’re ready, navigate to the File a Claim page to begin. You can also file over the phone using Pennsylvania’s statewide toll-free number at (800) 313-7284.
The state of Pennsylvania also offers a videophone filing option for individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL). This service can be reached at (717) 704-8474 between 8AM and 12PM on Wednesdays and between 12PM and 4PM on Fridays.
Another great research tool is the Claimant FAQ section, which covers a wide range of information regarding unemployment benefits.
Rhode Island
To file for unemployment in Rhode Island, you can file online using the Department of Labor and Training’s Claims System or call them directly at (401) 415-6772. If this is your first time filing for unemployment, take a look at the How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits page for a thorough breakdown.
For more information on eligibility and benefits, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training maintains a helpful FAQ page.
South Dakota
You can file for unemployment in South Dakota by creating an online account or calling (605) 626-2452 between 8AM and 4:20PM. To learn more about logging in or registering for an account, click here.
Tennessee
You can file for unemployment in Tennessee by filing your claim online or by contacting telephone support for unemployment insurance filing at (844) 224-5818.
Please note the State of Tennessee’s specific reporting requirements for collecting unemployment benefits. For example, starting July 2024, you must complete at least four job searches a week.
U.S. Virgin Islands
To file for unemployment in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you’ll have to apply in person at the appropriate local office or online through the Depart of Labor Online Portal. Click here for a guide on how to apply for unemployment benefits.
You can find claims assistance by calling the appropriate telephone number by region:
- For St. Croix, dial (340) 773-1994
- For St. Thomas, dial (340) 776-3700
For more information on unemployment insurance in the U.S. Virgin Islands, check out this overview.
Utah
To file for unemployment in Utah, you’ll first have to go through the state’s Preliminary Monetary Determination using your social security number and employment history. You can then file an initial claim online here. You will not be able to complete your claim if you submit a form after 11:45PM, but your form will be saved.
The state of Utah has put together a separate Unemployment Insurance Benefits page with more information about the application process.
Virginia
You can file for unemployment in Virginia online or by telephone at (866) 832-2363. The phone line is available between 8:15AM and 4:30PM, Mondays through Fridays.
Before you begin filing your claim, be sure to check the state’s unemployment guidelines. The FAQ page is another valuable resource.
Wyoming
You can file for unemployment in Wyoming by accessing the state’s online unemployment insurance portal.
Alternatively, you can file a claim via telephone by calling (307) 473-3789 for in-state services and (866) 729-7799 for out-of-state services.
General unemployment insurance resources are available in the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Unemployment Insurance Claimant Handbook.
If you’re ever out of a job or otherwise unable to work, some questions might spring to mind. Should you file for unemployment? Where do you file for unemployment? And perhaps, most importantly, how do you file for unemployment?
Getting clear answers to these questions can be a challenge, resulting in many people feeling intimidated by the process of filing for unemployment benefits.
But it doesn’t have to be.
In this post, we’re going to cover where and how to file for unemployment in every state in the United States. But first, let’s cover some basics.
What is unemployment insurance?
Unemployment insurance – often referred to as “unemployment benefits” – is a joint state-federal program under the U.S. Department of Labor. The primary goal of this program is to provide financial assistance to eligible workers. Technically, every state manages its own separate unemployment program, but each program must also follow basic guidelines established as federal law.
The eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance vary from state to state, but a worker is generally considered eligible if they:
- Are unemployed through no fault of their own.
- Meet work and wage requirements.
- Meet any additional state requirements.
If you believe you may be eligible based on those general requirements, the next step is to make note of the specifics of your state’s unemployment program.
Keep scrolling to check out our state-by-state breakdown of unemployment basics with links to in-depth information you need to file for benefits.