How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?

The benefits program receives funding through unemployment insurance taxes paid by most employers. A "covered" employer who pays wages of $1,500 or more in a calendar quarter or who employs at least one or more worker for some portion of a day for at least 20 weeks a year.

An eligible worker must be unemployed through no fault of his own from a business that pays unemployment insurance. To qualify for benefits, the worker files an initial claim with the Unemployment Claims Office. He or she must register, routinely report to a local employment office, and be willing and available for work.

• Certain actions can disqualify a person from eligibility.
• Quitting or being fired disqualifies the employee
• Labor dispute and refusing to accept another job without good cause
• An employee cannot receive unemployment benefits under another state law commit willful misrepresentation or fraud to obtain benefits.

A worker filing for unemployment must disclose any payment of child support. If so the Employment Security Commission will notify the state Department of Human Services, which issues an order for the support payments to be deducted from the unemployment benefits.

Once an employee files for unemployment, the agency determines whether to grant or deny benefits and notifies the worker and the employer. After the decision of the agency, the employer or employee may appeal the decision within 14 days.

For more information on unemployment benefits in Mississippi, contact the Mississippi Employment Security Commission, State Unemployment Insurance Benefits Department at 601-961-7724 or contact the local Unemployment Insurance Office in your area.