How to File for Unemployment in South Dakota

South Dakota doesn't even call it 'unemployment insurance' — the state runs the program as 'Reemployment Assistance,' paid onto a Way2Go debit Mastercard unless you set up direct deposit. First-time claimants should expect it can take up to four weeks to see that first payment even when everything goes smoothly.

Updated July 2026

1. 1

   Gather your ID and work history

   Have your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, and 18 months of employer names, addresses, and phone numbers ready.

2. 2

   File through the RA Benefits Portal or by phone

   Apply anytime at sd.gov/rabenefits, or call the Claims Call Center at 605.626.3179, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Central.

3. 3

   Know your claim's effective date

   A claim filed on Sunday is effective that day; claims filed Monday through Saturday become effective the preceding Sunday.

4. 4

   Watch for your Monetary Determination letter

   It arrives by mail along with the RA Claimant Handbook and shows your weekly and maximum benefit amounts.

5. 5

   File your first weekly request for payment

   This serves as your unpaid waiting week — every claimant serves one per benefit year.

6. 6

   Keep filing weekly requests and report job contacts

   Continue requesting payment weekly and report any required work-search contacts; direct deposit or your Way2Go card will be used for payment.

Verified against the official South Dakota unemployment agency site. View source