How to File for Unemployment in Alaska
Updated July 2026
Quick Answer
In Alaska, unemployment claims are filed through Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Most initial claims are processed within two to three weeks, though it can take longer if there's an issue with your claim.
Alaska's unemployment system is run by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and it's built around your existing myAlaska login rather than a separate claimant account. One thing that trips people up: if you haven't filed an Alaska claim in the last five years, the online system won't let you start a new one and you have to call a claim center directly instead.
What You'll Need
- Social Security number
- myAlaska account login
- Last employer's name, mailing address, and phone number
- Dates of employment and last week's hours/gross wages
- DD214 (copy 4) if you served in the military in the past 18 months
- SF8 or SF50 if you worked for the federal government in the past 18 months
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1
Check whether you can file online
If you've filed an Alaska UI claim within the past five years you can use the online system; if not, or if it's your very first claim, you must call a UI Claim Center to file instead.
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2
Gather your information
Collect your Social Security number, your last employer's name and contact info, employment dates, and your hours and gross wages for your last week of work; military separators need DD214 copy 4 and federal employees need form SF8 or SF50.
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3
Log in to myAlaska and file
Go to my.alaska.gov, select Unemployment Insurance Benefits, and file your new or reopened claim; if you can't remember your myAlaska password, reset it first by calling the myAlaska help desk at (866) 377-0126.
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4
Register for work and plan your work search
You must be able to work, available for work, and (unless told otherwise) actively search for and document suitable work each week you claim benefits.
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5
File weekly claims
Once your claim is open, log back in to my.alaska.gov each week (Sunday through Saturday) to claim your benefit payment; UI Claim Centers are open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, for questions.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share Alaska's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the program.
Helpful Guides
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies
The three tests every state uses to decide unemployment eligibility, and the separation reasons that typically help or hurt your claim.
Learn more →How Unemployment Benefits Work
A plain-English overview of how the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system works, from filing your first claim to your last payment.
Learn more →Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Regular unemployment insurance is built around W-2 payroll taxes, which is why freelancers and gig workers usually do not qualify — here is what does apply.
Learn more →Partial Unemployment Benefits: Working Part-Time While on Unemployment
Taking part-time work does not automatically end your unemployment claim — most states let you keep a reduced payment if you report your earnings correctly.
Learn more →