How to File for Unemployment in Puerto Rico
Updated July 2026
Quick Answer
In Puerto Rico, unemployment claims are filed through Department of Labor. Most initial claims are processed within two to three weeks, though it can take longer if there's an issue with your claim.
Puerto Rico's Departamento del Trabajo runs its unemployment claims through a dedicated online portal that's open around the clock, though anything submitted after 5 p.m. on a weekday waits until the next business day to process — and as of mid-2026 the agency had pushed back the rollout of its newer 'Desempleo Digital' platform, so the existing claimant system remains the one to use. To qualify at all, you need work history spanning at least two calendar quarters in the past year and a half.
What You'll Need
- Social Security number
- Proof you worked in Puerto Rico for at least two quarters in the last 18 months
- Employer name and contact information
- Recent pay information
- Contact information for online account access
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1
Confirm your work history qualifies
You generally need to have worked in Puerto Rico during at least two quarters of the last 18 months and lost your job for reasons outside your control.
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2
Gather your Social Security number and recent employer information
Have your most recent employer's details and pay information on hand before you start.
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3
File your Reclamación Inicial online
Go to desempleo.trabajo.pr.gov/reclamantes, expect to spend around 30 minutes, and file before 5 p.m. on a weekday for same-day processing.
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4
Or file by phone during business hours
Call (787) 945-7900 between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, if you can't file online.
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5
File your Reclamación Semana Subsiguiente each period
Once your initial claim is established, log back into the same portal to claim subsequent weeks of benefits.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share Puerto Rico's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the program.
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