In these times of uncertainty, governments all over the world are taking unprecedented action to support people who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 12th, the U.S. Department of Labor released updated eligibility criteria for unemployment insurance (UI) programs to include people that have become unemployed as a direct result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Eligibility for the program has now been extended to include:

• People who are unable to work because their employer has temporarily halted operations due to the outbreak
• People who have had to quit their jobs in order to care for vulnerable family members who are susceptible to the virus
• People who have had to quit their jobs because they are at risk of being exposed to the virus and infecting vulnerable family members
• People who have had to go into quarantine, but are fully expecting to return to work after the quarantine period is over. 

Who else is included?

A later revision of the policy on March 30th extended the policy to include –

• Self-Employed people
• Independent Contractors
• Gig Workers
• People with a limited work history

How long will these benefits be extended for?

Unemployed workers will receive an additional $600 per week in benefits for up to six months. This is an increase on what would normally have been received – the average at present is around $300 a week.

Unemployment insurance is usually given for around 4 months (although this does vary between states). As a result of the new government guidelines, people who are eligible will get an additional 13 weeks added to the time provided by their specific state.

Although this change is being funded on a federal level, it will be administered via your specific state. Please scroll down to find your state for all the latest links to find out more information about how to apply and track any existing claims.

Alabama

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://www.labor.alabama.gov/uc/

To file a UI claim online: https://labor.alabama.gov/uc/ICCS/

To file a claim by telephone number: https://labor.alabama.gov/uc/phone.aspx

To check the status or get information on your claim: https://labor.alabama.gov/uc/ICCS/PG000_Revised_LoginUser.aspx

Alaska

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://labor.alaska.gov/unemployment/

To file a UI claim online: https://my.alaska.gov/

To file a claim by telephone number: https://labor.alaska.gov/unemployment/call-centers.htm

Coronavirus update: Alaska is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://labor.alaska.gov/unemployment/COVID-19.htm

Arizona

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual

To file a UI claim online: https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual/apply-ui-benefits

To file a claim by telephone number: https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual/contact-AZUI

Coronavirus update: Arizona is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://des.az.gov/services/coronavirus

Arkansas

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/unemployment/

To file a UI claim online: https://www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov/

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.dws.arkansas.gov/unemployment/ark-line/

Initial claims can be filed in person. For the nearest office click on this link: https://www.arjoblink.arkansas.gov/ada/r/contact

California

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/

To file a UI claim online: https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Telephone_Numbers.htm

Coronavirus update: California is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm

Colorado

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.colorado.gov/cdle/unemployment

To file a UI claim online: https://www.colorado.gov/cdle/unemployment

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/ui-contact-us

Coronavirus update: Colorado is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/news/state-labor-department-releases-emergency-rules-paid-sick-leave-covid-19

Connecticut

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-OnLine/index.htm

To file a UI claim online: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/progsupt/unemplt/M1A/LogInIntro.htm

Coronavirus update: Connecticut is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-online/unemployedduetocoronavirus.pdf

Delaware

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://ui.delawareworks.com/

To file a UI claim online: https://uics.delawareworks.com/Forms/Form_WL1

Coronavirus update: Delaware is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://laborfiles.delaware.gov/c19/UI-FAQ.pdf

District of Columbia

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://does.dc.gov/service/unemployment-compensation-process

To file a UI claim online: https://does.dcnetworks.org/InitialClaims/

To file a claim by telephone number: 202-724-7000

Coronavirus update: District of Columbia is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here:“nbsp” https://does.dc.gov/release/bowser-administration-announces-ui-benefit-flexibilities-passage-covid-19-response-emergency

Florida

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://www.floridajobs.org/job-seekers-community-services

To file a UI claim online: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Login.ASPX

To file a claim by telephone number: 1-800-204-2418

Coronavirus update: Florida is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/ra-dua-documentation/dua-faqs-3-17-20-updates.pdf

Georgia

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://dol.georgia.gov/unemployment-benefits

To file a UI claim online: https://www.dol.state.ga.us/WS4-MW5/cics.jsp?TRANSID=UCI1&FRMNAME=UCI1S

To file a claim by telephone number: 404-232-3180

Coronavirus update: Georgia is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://dol.georgia.gov/gdol-covid-19-information

Hawaii

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/

To file a UI claim online: https://huiclaims.hawaii.gov/#/

Coronavirus update: Hawaii is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/files/2020/03/COVID-19-Labor-Benefits-Fact-Sheet_20200319.pdf

Idaho

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://labor.idaho.gov/dnn/Unemployment-Benefits

To file a UI claim online: https://www2.labor.idaho.gov/ClaimantPortal/Login?ReturnUrl=/claimantportal

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.labor.idaho.gov/dnn/Contact

Coronavirus update: Idaho is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://idahoatwork.com/2020/03/18/faqs-about-unemployment-insurance-and-covid-19/

 

Illinois

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/individuals/UnemploymentInsurance/Pages/default.aspx

To file a UI claim online: https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/aboutides/Pages/10%20Things%20You%20Should%20Know.aspx

To file a claim by telephone number: http://www.ides.illinois.gov/SitePages/ContactIDES.aspx

You may file in person. Click on this link for the nearest office: http://www.ides.state.il.us/ietc/network/index.asp   Coronavirus update: Illinois is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/COVID-19-and-Unemployment-Benefits.aspx

Indiana

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.in.gov/dwd/3474.htm

To file a UI claim online: https://www.in.gov/dwd/2362.htm

Coronavirus update: Indiana is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.in.gov/dwd/19.htm

Iowa

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/file-claim-unemployment-insurance-benefits

To file a UI claim online: https://uiclaims.iwd.iowa.gov/UIInitialClaim/

Coronavirus update: Iowa is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/updates-and-resources-about-covid-19

Kansas

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx

To file a UI claim online: https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx

To check the status or get information on your claim: http://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/   Coronavirus update: Kansas is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.dol.ks.gov/covid19response

Kentucky

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://kcc.ky.gov/career/If-you-are-Unemployed/Pages/default.aspx

To file a UI claim online: http://www.kewes.ky.gov/

To file a claim by telephone number: http://www.kewes.ky.gov/

Louisiana

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.louisianaworks.net/hire/vosnet/Default.aspx

To file a UI claim online: https://www.louisianaworks.net/hire/vosnet/Default.aspx

To file a claim by telephone number: Call 1-866-783-5567

Coronavirus update: Louisiana is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: http://www.laworks.net/PublicRelations/COVID_19_Information.asp

Maine

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/claimants/

To file a UI claim online: https://reemployme.maine.gov/accessme/faces/login/login_local.xhtml

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.maine.gov/labor/unemployment/howtofile.html#phone

Coronavirus update: Maine is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.maine.gov/labor/covid19/

Maryland

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml

To file a UI claim online: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml

To file a claim by telephone number: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/officenum.shtml

Massachusetts

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

To file a UI claim online: https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

Coronavirus update: Massachusetts is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19

Michigan

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.michigan.gov/uia

To file a UI claim online: https://www.michigan.gov/uia/0,1607,7-118-52610_52650-207424–,00.html

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.michigan.gov/uia/0,4680,7-118-52610-207602–,00.html

Coronavirus update: Michigan is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus

Minnesota

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://www.uimn.org/uimn/

To file a UI claim online: http://www.uimn.org/uimn/applicants/index.jsp

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.uimn.org/applicants/howapply/index.jsp

Coronavirus update: Minnesota is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/covid-19.jsp

Mississippi

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.mdes.ms.gov/unemployment-claims/claims-information/

To file a UI claim online: https://www.mdes.ms.gov/unemployment-claims/claims-information/

To file a claim by telephone number: 1-888-844-3577

Missouri

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://labor.mo.gov/unemployed-workers

To file a UI claim online: https://uinteract.labor.mo.gov/benefits/home.do

To file a claim by telephone number: https://labor.mo.gov/contact-labor

To check the status or get information on your claim: http://www.labor.mo.gov   Coronavirus update: Missouri is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://labor.mo.gov/coronavirus

Montana

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://uid.dli.mt.gov/

To file a UI claim online: https://montanaworks.gov/Job-Seeker-UI-Claimant

To file a claim by telephone number: 406-444-2545

Coronavirus update: Montana is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: http://www.dli.mt.gov/employer-covid-19-faq

Nebraska

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://dol.nebraska.gov/UIBenefits

To file a UI claim online: https://neworks.nebraska.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx

To file a claim by telephone number: https://uibenefits.nwd.ne.gov/BPSWeb/jsp/BPSTelephone.jsp

To check the status or get information on your claim: https://uibenefits.nwd.ne.gov/BPSWeb/jsp/BPSClaimantLogin.jsp   Coronavirus update: Nebraska is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

Nevada

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://ui.nv.gov/css.html

To file a UI claim online: http://ui.nv.gov/css.html

To file a claim by telephone number: http://ui.nv.gov/uinv_contact_us.htm

Coronavirus update: Nevada is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://detr.nv.gov/Page/COVID-19_(Coronavirus)_Information_for_Claimants_and_Employers

New Hampshire

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.nhes.nh.gov/services/claimants/index.htm

To file a UI claim online: https://nhuis.nh.gov/claimant/

To file a claim by telephone number: If you do not live in New Hampshire, assistance is available by phone at 1-800-266-2252, Option #4, Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm EST.

You may file in person at the nearest Employment Service Office found at: http://www.nh.gov/nhes/locations/index.htm   Coronavirus update: New Hampshire is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.nhes.nh.gov/documents/covid-19-poster-03172020.pdf

New Jersey

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://myunemployment.nj.gov/labor/myunemployment/before/about/

To file a UI claim online: https://myunemployment.nj.gov/labor/myunemployment/before/about/howtoapply/index.shtml

To file a claim by telephone number: https://myunemployment.nj.gov/labor/myunemployment/before/about/howtoapply/applybyphone.shtml

Coronavirus update: New Jersey is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.nj.gov/labor/worker-protections/earnedsick/covid.shtml

New Mexico

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://www.dws.state.nm.us/en-us/

To file a UI claim online: http://www.dws.state.nm.us/en-us/

To file a claim by telephone number: To file a new claim, speak with a customer service representative, or to make weekly certifications may be done through the toll free number 1-877-NM-4-MY-UI (1-877-664-6984) or online at https://www.dws.state.nm.us/MyWorkforceConnection

Coronavirus update: New Mexico is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/COVID-19-Info

 

New York

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm

To file a UI claim online: https://applications.labor.ny.gov/IndividualReg/

To file a claim by telephone number: https://labor.ny.gov/ui/claimantinfo/ContactInfo.shtm

Coronavirus update: New York is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.labor.ny.gov/home/

North Carolina

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment

To file a UI claim online: https://fed.des.nc.gov/ofis/citizen/pages/public/Login.aspx

To file a claim by telephone number: 1-888-737-0259

Coronavirus update: North Carolina is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information

North Dakota

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.jobsnd.com/unemployment-individuals

To file a UI claim online: http://www.jobsnd.com/unemployment-for-individuals

To file a claim by telephone number: 701-328-4995

Coronavirus update: is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.jobsnd.com/sites/www/files/documents/COVID19/uicovidfaq03162020.pdf

Ohio

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://unemployment.ohio.gov/PublicSelfServiceChoice.html

To file a UI claim online: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouc/

To file a claim by telephone number: 1-877-644-6562

Coronavirus update: Ohio is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm

Oklahoma

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.ok.gov/oesc/Claimants/

To file a UI claim online: https://unemployment.state.ok.us/W2.aspx

To file a claim by telephone number: https://unemployment.state.ok.us/

Oregon

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/Unemployment/Pages/default.aspx#

To file a UI claim online: https://secure.emp.state.or.us/ocs4/index.cfm?u=F20161026A115006B48721263.5255&lang=E

To apply by phone: http://findit.emp.state.or.us/ocs/ui-center-lookup/     To check the status or get information on your claim: https://ssl8.emp.state.or.us/ocs4/index.cfm?u=F20090409A135628B981286.346099&lang=E   Coronavirus update: Oregon is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

Pennsylvania

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/Pages/default.aspx

To file a UI claim online: http://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/file/Pages/File%20an%20Initial%20Claim.aspx

To file a claim by telephone number: http://www.uc.pa.gov/pages/contact-us-uc-benefits-info.aspx

Coronavirus update: Pennsylvania is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx

Puerto Rico

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://desempleo.trabajo.pr.gov/reclamacionsubsiguiente/

To file a UI claim online: https://www.trabajo.pr.gov/desempleo_en_linea.asp

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.trabajo.pr.gov/contactenos.asp

To file in person, please go to your nearest employment services office at: http://www.servicelocator.org/search/Puerto_Rico_ES_Addresses.asp

Rhode Island

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/ui/

To file a UI claim online: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/ui/

To file a claim by telephone number: http://www.dlt.state.ri.us/ui/fileclaim2.htm

Coronavirus update: Rhode Island is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/pdfs/COVID-19%20Workplace%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

South Carolina

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://dew.sc.gov/individuals/apply-for-benefits/claims-process

To file a UI claim online: https://dew.sc.gov/individuals/apply-for-benefits/claims-process

To file a claim by telephone number: To File an Out of State claim by phone, residents should call the Interstate Unit at 1-800-529-8339.

To check the status or get information on your claim: https://dew.sc.gov/individuals/manage-your-benefits/payment-status   Coronavirus update: South Carolina is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://dew.sc.gov/docs/default-source/default-document-library/coronavirus-and-unemployement-benefits.pdf

South Dakota

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/default.aspx

To file a UI claim online: https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/individuals/file_claim.aspx

To file a claim by telephone number: Call 605-626-3179 between 8 am and 4:20 pm CT.

Coronavirus update: South Dakota is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/covid_19_ra_eligibility.aspx

Tennessee

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment.html

To file a UI claim online: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment.html

To file a claim by telephone number: Telephone Support for Unemployment Insurance Filing: 844-224-5818

Coronavirus update: Tennessee is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.tn.gov/workforce/general-resources/news/2020/3/11/information-about-tn-ui-benefits-and-coronavirus.html

Texas

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services

To file a UI claim online: https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services#applyForBenefits

To file a claim by telephone number: https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/applying-unemployment-benefits#howToApply

Coronavirus update: Texas is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://twc.texas.gov/news/unemployment-news

U.S Virgin Islands

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://www.vidol.gov/unemployment-insurance-overview/

Please find claims assistance by calling the following: St. Croix: 340-773-1440 All other Islands: 340-776-3700   Coronavirus update: Virgin Islands is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://www.vidol.gov/unemployment-insurance-overview/

Utah

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://jobs.utah.gov/ui/home/

To file a UI claim online: https://jobs.utah.gov/ui/initialclaims/welcome.aspx

To file a claim by telephone number: https://jobs.utah.gov/ui/jobseeker/contactus.html

Coronavirus update: Utah is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://jobs.utah.gov/covid19/index.html

Vermont

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://labor.vermont.gov/unemployment-insurance/

To file a UI claim online: https://labor.vermont.gov/unemployment-insurance/ui-claimants/establishing-unemployment-claim

To file a claim by telephone number: Call 1-877-214-3331.

Coronavirus update: Vermont is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19

Virginia

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed

To file a UI claim online: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed/online-services/apply-for-unemployment-benefits

To file a claim by telephone number: 1-866-832-2363

Coronavirus update: Virginia is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/qa-coronavirus

Washington

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment

To file a UI claim online: https://secure.esd.wa.gov/home/

To file a claim by telephone number: 1-800-318-6022

 

West Virginia

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://workforcewv.org/unemployment.html

To file a UI claim online: https://uc.workforcewv.org/consumer/?lang=en

To file a claim by telephone number: https://uc.workforcewv.org/Contact.aspx

Coronavirus update: West Virginia is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://workforcewv.org/covid19

Wisconsin

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/ui/

To file a UI claim online: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/

To file a claim by telephone number: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/services.htm#help

Coronavirus update: Wisconsin is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/covid19/

Wyoming

General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program: http://www.wyomingworkforce.org/workers/ui/

To file a UI claim online: https://doe.state.wy.us/InetClaims/

To file a claim by telephone number: In-state: 307-473-3789 Out of state: 1-866-729-7799

Coronavirus update: Wyoming is providing updates on Unemployment Insurance changes related to COVID-19 here: http://wyomingworkforce.org/_docs/data/epidemiology/2020-03-covid19-faq.pdf