How to File for Unemployment in Mississippi
Mississippi's Department of Employment Security handles claims through its ReEmployMS portal, and like several neighboring states imposes an unpaid waiting week — the first week you'd otherwise qualify for is used up as a non-payable waiting period instead of being paid out.
Updated July 2026
What You'll Need
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1
Register with MDES
Before you can file anything, create a username and password through MDES Online Services — the same login works whether you're filing a claim or searching for jobs.
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2
Have your paperwork ready
You'll need your work history for the past 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers, separation reasons, and dates), current contact info, driver's license or state ID number, and Social Security card.
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3
File your claim online
Go to mdes.ms.gov and file through ReEmployMS, available 24/7; if you'd rather talk to someone, call the MDES Contact Center at 601-493-9427.
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4
Serve your waiting week
The first week you're otherwise eligible for doesn't get paid — MDES counts it as your mandatory waiting period.
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5
File weekly certifications and search for work
Keep filing your weekly certification online through ReEmployMS, and document your job search every week since it's a continuing condition of receiving benefits.
File Your Claim
Verified against the official Mississippi unemployment agency site. View source
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