How to File for Unemployment in Missouri
Updated July 2026
Quick Answer
In Missouri, unemployment claims are filed through Division of Employment Security. Most initial claims are processed within two to three weeks, though it can take longer if there's an issue with your claim.
Missouri's Division of Employment Security processes claims through its UInteract portal, and instead of one statewide phone line routes claimants to one of four regional claims centers — Jefferson City, Kansas City, St. Louis, or Springfield — based on where they live, with a toll-free backup number for anyone outside those local calling areas.
What You'll Need
- Social Security number
- Gross earnings information for each week claimed
- Employer name, address, and dates of employment for the last 18 months
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit (optional)
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1
Create your UInteract account
Go to uinteract.labor.mo.gov, choose New Account Registration, select 'I want to file an unemployment claim,' and enter your SSN, name, and birth date exactly as they appear in Missouri's records.
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2
Set your login
Pick a User ID, password, and security questions; you'll get a Successful Registration Confirmation screen once you're done.
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3
File your initial claim
Log back into UInteract, click Unemployment Claim, then File Unemployment Claim, and follow the prompts through to a printable Claim Confirmation.
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4
Report weekly earnings honestly
When you request weekly payment, report gross earnings for the week, including any vacation, holiday, or WARN Act pay you received.
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5
File your Weekly Request for Payment after each week ends
Log into UInteract, select Weekly Request for Payment, and follow the prompts to your confirmation — do this after each week is over, not before.
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6
Call a regional center if you need help
Reach Jefferson City at 573-751-9040, Kansas City at 816-889-3101, St. Louis at 314-340-4950, Springfield at 417-895-6851, or 800-320-2519 if you're outside those local calling areas.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share Missouri'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 →