Warning

You are using an unsupported browser. Consider using Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. Certain elements of this website will not function properly.

Claimant Resources

Contact Us

Claimant Handbook

Table of Contents Unemployment Insurance Information

What is Unemployment Insurance? What is expected from me?

 Account Information Profile Details

Answers questions like: Can someone file my claim for me? What if my address changes? Can I use direct deposit?

 Finding a Job

Where is my local Job Service Montana office? Can you help me find a job?

 What You Need to Know When Filing for Benefits

I have filed my claim, now what? What are my responsibilities in order to get paid?

 Eligibility for Benefits

Am I eligible for benefits? What is a Waiting Week? What may prevent me from getting paid?

 Steps to Determine Your Eligibility, Amount, and Length of Benefits

What is a Base Period? What wages are used to determine my benefit amount? What will UI look at to know if I am eligible? How much will I get paid and for how long? What is a Monetary Determination? How do job separations affect my benefits?

 Payment Information

How and when do I get paid? Are my benefits taxed? Can I stop and restart my claim? How do I get my 1099-G form?

 Ongoing Eligibility Special Requirements

What requirements do I need to meet to be eligible for weekly benefits? Do I need to apply for work? What are my work search requirements? What do I need to report while searching for work? What is Job and Union Attached? What required programs may help me return to work? Does anything change if I am unemployed for an extended period of time?

 Filing Weekly Payment Requests

What questions must I answer when I request benefits?

 Fraud Overpayments

What is considered fraud? What are the penalties for fraud? What is an Overpayment? Will my claim be audited?

 School Employment, Training or School Attendance

How does school employment or attending school affect my claim?

 Determination, Appeal Process, Requalification

What if I disagree with the Determination, Redetermination, or Hearing Decision? How long do I have to appeal a Determination, Redetermination, or Hearing Decision? If I am disqualified, which wages can be used to requalify?

 Report Hours & Earnings and Working Part-Time

Can I work while getting UI benefits? How do I report my hours and earnings?

 Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have questions about UI?

 UI Terms

What if there is a term I don't understand?

 Legal Requirements

Who can see my information? What can I do if I feel there has been discrimination?

 How to Contact UI

Many questions can be answered online through the UI Claimant Center or in the Claimant Handbook. To speak to a UI Representative, contact the UI Claims Processing Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits?

Generally speaking, individuals who are laid off or have their hours reduced, due to no fault of their own, may be eligible for UI benefits. But, there are a variety of scenarios that may impact your eligibility. Click to learn more.

What factors are used to determine eligibility?

We use three factors to determine your eligibility for UI benefits, click to learn more.

What do I need to know to file?

There are a variety of laws and rules governing the UI program that you'll want to know before filing, click to learn more.

Where do I file for UI benefits online?

The UI Claimant Center is our online portal for filing or reactivating an unemployment insurance claim as well as filing your weekly payment request.

Can I estimate the amount of benefits I will receive?

The Unemployment Benefits Estimator is intended to be a quick reference for estimating your potential benefit amounts.

 Am I eligible for partial benefits?

You may be eligible for partial benefits if your customary schedule is reduced, and you meet certain requirements. Click to learn more and use our Partial Benefit Calculator to estimate your eligibility.

How do I report my Hours & Earnings?

Report hours & earning through the UI Claimant Center with your weekly payment request. Failure to accurately report that you have earned wages or worked during a week you request a benefit payment may be considered fraud.

When and how do I get paid?

You must request payment online at the UI Claimant Center for each week you want to get paid.

 How do I contact UI?

Many questions can be answered online through the UI Claimant Center or in the Claimant Handbook. To speak to a UI Representative, contact the UI Claims Processing Center.

What steps do I take to begin searching for a job?

Montana’s Job Service offices are your full-service, no-fee employment resource. Staff in your local Job Service Montana offices can assist you in your job search.

 How do I file a Work Comp Claim?

Report all on-the-job injuries or occupational diseases to your supervisor, insurer or employer as soon as possible.

 How do I file a Wage Claim?

Before filing, did you discuss your situation with your employer or former employer? If you haven't yet talked with your employer or former employer about the issue in dispute, do so.

 How do I report Fraud?

UI fraud is a crime which affects everyone. It drives up the cost of UI taxes for businesses and causes frustration for law-abiding employers and workers. Learn more and use our online reporting tool to report frauid, you can remain anonymous.