How to File for Unemployment in Idaho

Idaho Department of Labor claims are filed only online through the iUS Claimant Portal (or in person at a local office) — the department is explicit that it does not take initial claims over the phone. Idaho also has a distinctive unpaid "waiting week" every claimant must serve before any benefits are paid.

Updated July 2026

1. 1

   Gather two years of work history

   Idaho asks for employer details covering the past two years, longer than the 18-month lookback many neighboring states use.

2. 2

   Verify your identity with ID.me

   You must pass ID.me identity verification before you can access the Claimant Portal.

3. 3

   Apply during the week you need it

   File the same week your hours are cut or you lose your job — applying late means that week won't count toward your waiting week or as a payable week.

4. 4

   Serve your waiting week

   The first week you're eligible and file a certification becomes an unpaid waiting week; you must still file and qualify to get credit for it.

5. 5

   File your weekly certification

   Keep certifying every week you want benefits — this can only be done online or at a local office, not by phone.

6. 6

   Report severance correctly

   Divide any severance pay by the number of weeks it covers and report the weekly amount; WARN Act payments, by contrast, don't need to be reported.

Verified against the official Idaho unemployment agency site. View source