Although it’s been said that nothing in this world may be certain but death and taxes, there is another unfortunate reality: at some point in your life, you may lose your job.
No matter how good of an employee you are, it’s possible that, through no fault of your own, you may find yourself unemployed—and unable to find another job immediately, or even for some months.
And, just like death (and taxes), being unemployed can be a frightening situation to contemplate.
Although hopefully you have taken precautions in the form of creating and maintaining an emergency fund, there are fortunately other resources available to assist you, especially when it comes to unemployment insurance. Here, we’ll break them down, state by state.
Alabama
The Alabama Department of Labor has an Unemployment Compensation (UC) division with various links to help claimants, job seekers, and employers looking for resources.
The division answers the top 10 frequently asked questions to help residents better understand the process. Unemployed workers can get started filing unemployment insurance in Alabama here.
Alaska
The Alaska Department of Labor has multiple resources, including a myAlaska portal where residents can access crucial information regarding the status of their claim. Citizens can file a claim by phone, but the number varies by area.
Arizona
The Arizona Department of Economic Security has a step-by-step guidance for residents filing for unemployment insurance. Due to the increase in call traffic, the Unemployment Insurance Call Center is extending its hours Monday through Friday, 7am-6pm.
Find important answers about which documents a resident may need to file a claim, or when and how to apply here .
Arkansas
The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services provides a step-by-step guide for citizens seeking to file an unemployment claim. Citizens can also find out how/when to file a claim by phone using the ARKline .
California
The Employment Development Department of California pays benefits to workers who become unemployed or partially unemployed, and has offered a guide to eligibility requirements .
UI Online is recommended for filing claims, as UI Online Mobile has been experiencing long wait times. However, the department has promised to add staff resources to keep up with demand.
Colorado
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has provided a brief and accessible guide to the benefits packages that the state offers. To file a claim by telephone, residents can contact the Denver Metro office at (303) 813-2800.
Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Labor has created a page with a guide and resources for those looking to file for unemployment. This site also provides updates and news regarding the Department’s activities.
Delaware
The Delaware Department of Labor provides various resources and tools for residents to understand the unemployment filing process. This page directs residents to an online form , where they can easily file a claim for unemployment.
District of Columbia
The DC Department of Employee Services provides relevant issues regarding the unemployment compensation process. Residents can file a claim online through the Unemployment Insurance Center for Claimants , or by phone at (202) 724-7000.
Florida
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has the Reemployment Assistance Service Center for those recently unemployed. To file for unemployment the center uses a service called CONNECT .
However, the site has been reportedly experiencing major glitches as a result of increased traffic and a consequence of delayed action, according to audits dating back to 2015.
Georgia
The Georgia Department of Labor website provides various links where residents can find out more information specific to their own situation. Residents can file a claim through an online Unemployment Insurance Claim Application , or by phone at (404) 232-3180.
Hawaii
The Hawaii Department of Labor has created an Unemployment Insurance web page where users can find various resources, facts and tools to help them file an unemployment claim and stay up to date on the process. Residents can file a claim directly using the Unemployment Insurance online form .
Idaho
The Idaho Department of Labor provides various resources, including a claimant portal, FAQ and background information regarding the unemployment filing process. Residents can file claims through the online claimant portal or by calling (208) 332-8942.
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides various resources and information for citizens seeking to file an unemployment claim. Residents can use an online form or call (800) 247-4984 to file a claim. Additionally, residents can find the nearest office to file a claim in person by using this reference page .
Indiana
The Indiana Department of WorkForce Development has resources available for all seeking unemployment insurance, including UI video tutorials, a general one-pager on basics for claimants and FAQs listed on the Indiana Unemployment homepage .
Due to high call volume and long wait times, the department recommends learning more information here before calling.
Iowa
The Iowa State Government has a Workforce Development page where residents can find crucial information regarding their eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. Citizens can file a claim using the Unemployment Benefits On-line Application System .
Kansas
The Kansas Department of Labor has created an Unemployment Benefits Page where residents can find out relevant information and file a claim. This page also provides ways for citizens to file a claim by phone or check the status of their claim.
Kentucky
The Kentucky Career Center offers a schedule depending on last names for when residents can file for unemployment benefits. That schedule can be found on its website, along with hours of operation and the information those applying will need to be considered. Residents can file their UI claims here .
Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Labor has created a page called HiRE , where residents can check their eligibility and file a claim. Additionally, residents can file a claim by phone by calling (866) 783-5567.
Maine
The Maine Department of Labor has a page dedicated to helping residents find out their eligibility for unemployment benefits and additional guidance on how to file a claim.
To file a claim online, residents can access the state’s Unemployment Services Portal .
Maryland
The Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance has provided resources and information for residents seeking to file a claim. Citizens can file a claim online through their main website.
Massachusetts
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development in Massachusetts has The Department of Unemployment Assistance with resources to apply for unemployment insurance online and through a TeleCert line with automated assistance. Residents can download a guide to benefits and employment services here.
Michigan
The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity in Michigan has created a schedule based on last names for those filing for unemployment benefits, due to the amount of traffic on its phone lines.
Therefore, the agency encourages residents to use The Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) and has provided a toolkit for step-by-step instructions.
Minnesota
The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program has an accessible guide for those looking to file for unemployment benefits. Residents can file a claim directly using an online form and can check to see the best way to get in touch via phone.
Mississippi
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security has an informative website where residents can figure out which kind of claim they qualify for and learn about how to apply.
Missouri
The Missouri Department of Labor lists general information for those looking to file for unemployment benefits. Residents can file a claim directly using the UIneract portal or by calling the relevant office.
Montana
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry has a page called Montana Works , where residents can find relevant information regarding their eligibility or file a claim. Additionally, citizens can file a claim by phone by calling (406) 444-2545.
Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Labor has resources listed on its website for those looking to file for unemployment insurance at NEworks. The portal also provides access to information on the labor market and a link to an app with job listings.
Nevada
The Nevada Unemployment Insurance self service website allows residents to file an unemployment benefits claim online. Citizens can also find the relevant office to contact by phone using the Claimants Contact page.
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of Labor has an Employment Security website where residents can find general information regarding unemployment benefits claims.
Residents can file a claim online using Workforce Connect or by contacting (800) 266-2252. If citizens would like to file their claim in person, they can find the relevant office to do so using the Office Locations page .
New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development lists various options and general information for those seeking to file for unemployment benefits. Residents can apply online using the How To Apply page and can find the relevant telephone number using the contact reference page .
New Mexico
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions has a page called My Workforce Connection where residents file for a claim online. Additionally, residents can file a claim by phone using (877) 664-6984.
New York
The New York State Department of Labor provides a multitude of resources and information for residents looking to file an unemployment benefits claim online. Those looking to file a claim online can do so directly through the website .
However, The New York State Department of Labor website has crashed repeatedly. Governor Cuomo has publicly apologized , citing an increase of 900% of traffic compared to a typical week. Residents can also file a claim by phone by calling (888) 209-8124.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Department of Commerce website has numerous resources for residents who want to file for unemployment benefits. Residents can file a claim directly online using the Employment Security portal or via phone, by calling (888) 737-0259.
North Dakota
The North Dakota Job Service has created a guide for residents looking to file for unemployment. Residents who want to file a claim online or want to see additional resources can do so through the Resources page . Additionally, claims can be filed by telephone by calling (701) 328-4995.
Ohio
The Ohio Department of Job and Family services provides general information about the state’s unemployment insurance program.
Those looking to file a claim online or access additional resources can do so through the Office Unemployment Insurance Operations . If residents wish to file a claim by telephone, they can do so by calling (877) 644-6562.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission lists crucial information for those looking to file for unemployment benefits. Residents looking to file a claim online can do so using this portal . Those who prefer to speak to an unemployment claim representative can also call (800) 555-1554.
Oregon
The Oregon Employment Department provides general information for those interested in filing an unemployment claim. Residents can file an unemployment insurance claim online or by telephone through the Online Claim System .
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation has several resources for those filing for unemployment benefits, like quick tips and step-by-step guide to filing. The site also links to an FAQ with answers related to the impact of federal programs as well.
The unemployment site crashed on Saturday due to increased traffic, but according to an update from the PA Department of Labor and Industry , the site is currently back up and running. The UC Live Chat is also an option for those seeking to file a claim at (888) 313-7284.
Rhode Island
The Department of Labor and Training has helpful tips and resources for those seeking unemployment claims, including specific guidelines for gig economy workers , job seekers, employees and employers.
Residents can file an online claim here or residents can also reach the Unemployment Insurance Service Center at (401) 243-9100.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce has created a claims process guide for residents to reference for general information. To file a claim, residents can login in to the SUITS Portal or by calling (800) 529-8339.
South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation has a dedicated site for residents seeking reemployment assistance benefits. To file a claim online, residents can find out how to do so through the dedicated Reemployment Assistance Benefits page . Citizens can also file a claim via phone by calling (605) 626-3179.
Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development dedicated a webpage to unemployment resources for those seeking to file a claim, like eligibility requirements , an online application link and what to expect after you file . Residents can track UI claims here .
Texas
The Texas Workforce Commission has a subpage of its website titled Unemployment Benefits Services with a list of links for residents. The list links to multiple resources including an FAQ and more information for job seekers and employees. All unemployment claims will be filed through TWC using existing or created User IDs.
Utah
The Utah State Government Workforce Services website provides important information for those seeking to file for unemployment benefits. Residents can file a claim online using the dedicated Unemployment Insurance Benefits web page or by contacting the relevant office by phone .
Vermont
The Vermont Department of Labor has a subpage dedicated to important information regarding unemployment insurance. To establish a claim, residents can do so through electronic form or by calling (877) 214-3331.
Virginia
The Virginia Employment Commission ’s website provides guidance on requirements to file an Unemployment Insurance Claim in Virginia. Residents can file a claim online , or via phone by calling 866-832-2363.
Washington
Washington State’s Employment Security Department provides guidance and information specifically geared towards COVID-19 affected workers and businesses.
They have launched a new daily webinar with more information regarding setting up a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account and submitting a claim for benefits online . You can also submit a claim via phone by calling 800-318-6022, and subscribe for COVID-19 updates here.
West Virginia
The West Virginia Department of Commerce ’s subpage WorkForce West Virginia has multiple resources for those looking for unemployment insurance benefits including information on eligibility and how to apply online . Among the resources are the top 10 things residents need to know about filing for unemployment compensation.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s website provides critical information for those looking to apply for unemployment benefits. Residents can apply online through an electronic form or by calling (414) 435-7069.
Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Development offers information for claimants, employers and service providers, in addition to FAQs . Residents can file a claim online through electronic form with WYUI or by calling (307) 473-3789.
Additional Resources
These state resources are not the only assistance available to you if you find yourself without work and income—which may be especially concerning if you have monthly loan repayments to consider. Your specific lender may offer protections as well.
SoFi, for instance, offers unemployment protection for borrowers, meaning that if you lose your job through no fault of your own, and your loan is in good standing, you can request to enroll in the Unemployment Protection program.
If approved, your loans will go into forbearance, and your loans payments will be paused without penalty. (Note: the program is offered in increments of three months, and is only offered for 12 months in aggregate over the life of the loan.)
Additionally, if you have been impacted by COVID-19 and have concerns about not being able to make your payments, SoFi has a few different options to help. To get more information about these options for your student, home, or personal loans with SoFi click here.
SoFi members also have complimentary access to career coaches who provide support, helping them get back on track and move on to the next great opportunity.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. SoFi Student Loan Refinance CLICK HERE for more information. Notice: SoFi refinance loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers such as Income-Driven Repayment plans, including Income-Contingent Repayment or PAYE. SoFi always recommends that you consult a qualified financial advisor to discuss what is best for your unique situation.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
If you are looking to refinance federal student loans, please be aware that the White House has announced up to $20,000 of student loan forgiveness for Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 for qualifying borrowers whose student loans are federally held. Additionally, the federal student loan payment pause and interest holiday has been extended beyond December 31, 2022. Please carefully consider these changes before refinancing federally held loans with SoFi, since the amount or portion of your federal student debt that you refinance will no longer qualify for the federal loan payment suspension, interest waiver, or any other current or future benefits applicable to federal loans. If you qualify for federal student loan forgiveness and still wish to refinance, leave unrefinanced the amount you expect to be forgiven to receive your federal benefit.
SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.
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Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.
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