How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?

Phone Claims
If you are unemployed, become unemployed or your hours substantially reduced, call the Unemployment Insurance Center in your region to:

• File a new claim for Unemployment Insurance benefits
• Reopen a claim after a two week period in filing
• Ask questions about your claim
• The office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Wednesday hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Have the following information available when you make your call to the Telephone Center to file a claim:

• Social Security Number
• The names, complete addresses and dates employed for all employers you worked for in the last 18 months
• Alien registration number (if not a citizen)
• If you were in the military or worked for the federal government in the last 18 months, have available your DD-214 member 4, copy of SF-8 or SF50.