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

Filter states

Alabama Department of Labor AL Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development AK Arizona Department of Economic Security AZ Arkansas Division of Workforce Services AR California Employment Development Department CA Colorado Department of Labor and Employment CO Connecticut Department of Labor CT Delaware Division of Unemployment Insurance DE District of Columbia Department of Employment Services DC Florida Department of Commerce FL Georgia Department of Labor GA Hawaii Unemployment Insurance Division HI Idaho Department of Labor ID Illinois Department of Employment Security IL Indiana Department of Workforce Development IN Iowa Workforce Development IA Kansas Department of Labor KS Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance KY Louisiana Workforce Commission LA Maine Department of Labor ME Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance MD Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance MA Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency MI Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development MN Mississippi Department of Employment Security MS Missouri Division of Employment Security MO Montana Unemployment Insurance Division MT Nebraska Department of Labor NE Nevada Dept. of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation NV New Hampshire Employment Security NH New Jersey Division of Unemployment Insurance NJ New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions NM New York Department of Labor NY North Carolina Division of Employment Security NC North Dakota Job Service ND Ohio Department of Job and Family Services OH Oklahoma Employment Security Commission OK Oregon Employment Department OR Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry PA Puerto Rico Department of Labor PR Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training RI South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce SC South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation SD Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development TN Texas Workforce Commission TX Utah Department of Workforce Services UT Vermont Department of Labor VT Virgin Islands Department of Labor VI Virginia Employment Commission VA Washington Employment Security Department WA West Virginia WorkForce WV Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development WI Wyoming Department of Workforce Services WY

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.