How to File for Unemployment

Unemployment insurance is run as a joint federal-state program, so the exact filing process, required documents, and online portal are different in every state. Select your state below for step-by-step instructions on filing a claim, what you'll need before you start, and how to reach your state's unemployment agency directly.

Select Your State

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Alabama Department of Labor Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Arizona Department of Economic Security Arkansas Division of Workforce Services California Employment Development Department Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Connecticut Department of Labor Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance District of Columbia Department of Employment Services Florida Department of Commerce Georgia Department of Labor Hawaii Unemployment Insurance Division Idaho Department of Labor Illinois Department of Employment Security Indiana Department of Workforce Development Iowa Workforce Development Kansas Department of Labor Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance Louisiana Workforce Commission Maine Department of Labor Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Mississippi Department of Employment Security Missouri Division of Employment Security Montana Unemployment Insurance Division Nebraska Department of Labor Nevada Dept. of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation New Hampshire Employment Security New Jersey Division of Unemployment Insurance New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions New York Department of Labor North Carolina Division of Employment Security North Dakota Job Service Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Oregon Employment Department Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Puerto Rico Department of Labor Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Texas Workforce Commission Utah Department of Workforce Services Vermont Department of Labor Virgin Islands Department of Labor Virginia Employment Commission Washington Employment Security Department West Virginia WorkForce Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Wyoming Department of Workforce Services

After You File

Filing your initial claim is just the first step. Most states require you to certify for benefits every week or two by confirming you're still unemployed and actively looking for work — missing a certification is one of the most common reasons payments get delayed. Processing an initial claim typically takes two to three weeks, so it's worth filing as soon as you become unemployed rather than waiting. This directory is independent and not affiliated with any state unemployment agency; always use the official state links provided in each guide to file your actual claim.