How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits Online

You can usually apply for unemployment benefits online through your state's labor office website. Unemployment benefits (also known as unemployment insurance benefits) provide temporary assistance to people who are recently unemployed through no fault of their own; however, eligibility for and duration of benefits can vary by state.

Click on your state's link below to apply for unemployment benefits online, and your state agency will determine whether or not you are eligible.  Note that some states do not allow you to apply for unemployment benefits online.  In those cases, you will find instructions for applying by mail, by telephone or in person. If you qualify for unemployment benefits, generally you will receive your first unemployment check two to three weeks after you apply.

To apply for unemployment benefits, you'll need to provide the following information:

• Your name, social security number, and state driver license or ID number
• Your residential and mailing address
• The last date you worked for your employer
• The name, address, and telephone number of your most recent employer

Some states may require more information, such as your citizenship status and prior income.  If you need a copy of your birth certificate for identification purposes or to prove citizenship, you can create a Request for Birth Certificate.  You can also request copies of your paystubs from your previous employer by using the Free-Form Letter.  

Select the state where you currently live in order to apply for unemployment benefits. Even if you worked in another state, your state can still help you file for unemployment benefits.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware D.C. Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas

Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina

North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Laws on this topic may vary from state to state. This content is not meant to provide you with complete information and it is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is recommended that you consult with your own attorney, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation.