Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Building icon
The .gov means it's official
Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.
Lock icon
This site is also protected by an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that’s been signed by the U.S. government. The https:// means all transmitted data is encrypted — in other words, any information or browsing history that you provide is transmitted securely.

Unemployment Insurance

undefined Unemployment Insurance?


The Department of Labor has oversight responsibility for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs operated in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These states/jurisdictions provide unemployment benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own, and meet certain other eligibility requirements.

The Department of Labor has oversight responsibility for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs operated in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These states/jurisdictions provide unemployment benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own, and meet certain other eligibility requirements.

undefined Unemployment Insurance?


To be eligible for this benefit program, you must meet all of the following:

  • Unemployed through no fault of your own, and
  • Worked during a specified period, usually up to 18 months, and
  • Earned a minimum amount of wages as determined by each state, and
  • Actively seeking work each week you are collecting benefits.

States may have specific requirements determined by state law.

undefined Unemployment Insurance?


To find information for a particular state or territory, please visit the Career OneStop Service Locator.


For information about the state agencies responsible for unemployment claims, visit Career One Stop's America's Service Locator website and select the state where you would like to file.

You can also call:
1-866-487-2365

People who are hearing impaired may call this toll-free TTY number:
1-877-889-5627

1-866-487-2365