Establish Initial Claim
- You may file an Initial Claim by calling 1-877-214-3330 (Monday - Thursday: 8:30am-4:00pm; Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm).
- Required Documents: Please review the list of required documents you will need to have on-hand when submitting your application.
Re-Open Existing Claim
- If you have filed for unemployment insurance benefits for at least one week during the last 12 months, you already have a claim on-file with the Department. Claimants should re-open a previous claim, rather than establishing a new claim. If you are unsure about the status of your claim, log-in to the UI Claimant Portal to check your status.
Open a New Benefit Year
- After a period of 12 months AFTER your initial claim is submitted, you will be required to open a new benefit year in order to continue to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Find more information on our Open a New Benefit Year page.
Important Note: An unemployment insurance claim cannot be established until there has been an actual separation from employment.
Contact The Unemployment Insurance Division:
- Establish an Initial Claim: 1-877-214-3330 (Monday-Thursday: 8:30am-4:00pm; Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm)
- File Weekly Claim: 1-800-983-2300 (Automated - Sunday: 24 hours / Monday - Friday: 5:00am-4:30pm)
- Claimant Assistance: 1-877-214-3332 (Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 4:00pm; Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm / Closed from Saturday - Sunday)