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Unemployment Office Locations

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

What You'll Need

✓ Social Security number ✓ Driver's license number or other state ID number ✓ Employer names, addresses, and phone numbers for the last 18 months ✓ Union hall name and number, if applicable ✓ Alien Registration Number, if not a U.S. citizen
  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.

File Your Claim

File Online ☎ (605) 626-3179

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