UI
Unemployment Office Locations

How to File for Unemployment in Montana

Montana's Unemployment Insurance Division moved off its old MontanaWorks system in October 2023 to a new UI Claimant Center that uses Okta for sign-in, and routes anyone needing help to a single statewide Claims Center phone line rather than local offices.

Updated July 2026

What You'll Need

✓ Social Security number ✓ Driver's license or state ID ✓ Employment history for the last 18 months (employer name, address, dates, separation reason) ✓ Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
  1. 1

    Confirm you're eligible

    Montana pays benefits to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and are actively looking for full-time work or approved training, as detailed in the state's Claimant Handbook.

  2. 2

    Have your Social Security number and work history ready

    You must provide your SSN to file at all — by federal Privacy Act rules the agency can only use it for unemployment purposes — plus details on your employers from the last 18 months.

  3. 3

    File through the UI Claimant Center

    Go to uiclaimant.mt.gov and sign in with Okta to submit your initial claim, request weekly payment, or reopen a prior claim — this system replaced the old MontanaWorks portal.

  4. 4

    Register with Job Service Montana

    As part of staying eligible, register with your local Job Service Montana office, part of the state's workforce center network.

  5. 5

    Report your hours and earnings weekly

    Keep filing your weekly payment requests through the UI Claimant Center and accurately report any hours worked and wages earned.

  6. 6

    Call the Claims Center if you're stuck

    Reach the UI Claims Center at (406) 444-2545, or use Montana Relay 711 for TDD access.

File Your Claim

File Online ☎ (406) 444-2545

Verified against the official Montana unemployment agency site. View source

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