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Oregon Employment Department
About Unemployment Insurance Benefits
What is Unemployment Insurance Self Employment
Benefit Eligibility School Attendance
Disqualifications Training Unemployment Ins.
Appeal Rights
Payment Options
Taxing Your Benefits
What is Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance replaces part of the income you lose when you become unemployed. It is a benefit available to workers out of work through no fault of their own. Unemployment insurance softens the impact job losses have on communities by maintaining the purchasing power in the area where workers live.
 
The money for benefits comes from employers. No contributions for unemployment insurance come from employee wages.

Benefit Eligibility
Your benefit amount depends upon the work that you performed. The minimum benefit is $113 a week. The maximum weekly benefit you can receive is $482 a week. See  Online Oregon Unemployment Insurance Estimator to obtain an estimated weekly benefit amount.
 
The total benefits you can receive are set by law. If the wages during the qualifying period are at least $9,040, you will be eligible for 26 weeks of benefits. If your qualifying wages are less, then the most you could receive is one third of those wages, paid at $113 a week.
 
Your unemployment insurance claim will be based on your recent work record for the 12-month period known as the base year. The base year is four calendar quarters (January through March, April through June, July through September, and October through December). For Oregon claims, the base year is the first four of the last five calendar quarters completed at the time you first file your claim. For example, if you file a new claim during May, your base year is all four quarters of the prior calendar year. To qualify, your work and wages during this base period must meet one of the following two tests:
 
Total base period wages of at least one and one half times the wages in the highest quarter in the base period and at least $1000 in wages earned in subject employment, or

500 hours of subject employment
 
After we process your initial claim, we send you a "Wage and Potential Benefit Report." This form shows:
 
  • The 12-month (four quarter) period on which your claim is based;
  • Oregon employers you worked for during this period;
  • Wages paid to you during this period for work you did in Oregon;
  • The number of hours in which you did some work; and
  • The benefits you can receive on your claim, based on this work alone. Both your Weekly Benefit Amount and your Maximum Benefit Amount will be shown.

Your benefit amount depends on how much money you made during your base year. The more wages employers paid you during the base year, the more your benefit amount will be. The amount is set by law as a percentage of the wages you received.
 
Review this notice carefully. Make sure:
  • Wages showing are wages you were paid during this period; and
  • Employers listed are employers you worked for in Oregon during this period. 
 
If your benefit amount is too high because of misreported wages, you will have to repay any overpayment. If wages are missing, tell us so you can receive all the benefits you should. If you find mistakes, call your nearest  Unemployment Insurance Center . Mistakes may include missing employers, or employers for whom you never worked.
 
The form may say you do not qualify. If the work and wages are correct, it could be for one of these reasons:
  • You did not earn $1000 with total base period wages of one and one half times the highest quarter; or
  • You did not have 500 hours of work; or
  • You may not have worked enough since you last received benefits.
If you received benefits on an earlier claim, you must have worked after starting the first claim. You must earn an amount at least six times the weekly benefit amount of your new claim for the new claim to be valid.
 
When the base year changes (it shifts each January, April, July and October), check with us again. You may qualify for benefits at that time.
 
Some wages do not automatically show on your Wage and Potential Benefit Report. Tell us right away if you:
  • Worked in another state during your base year;
  • Were ill or injured and could not work at any time during your base year;
  • Worked for the Federal Government during your base year; or
  • Were in the military during your base year.
 
We have to ask for these wages to add them to your claim. If you did not tell us this on your application, tell us now. Continue claiming benefits if you are out of work while you wait for us to add wages to your claim.
 
If you worked in another state or Canada, you may have a claim against that state or Canada. For assistance, please call your  Unemployment Insurance Center  .

Your initial claim sets up a benefit year during which you may receive benefits. Your benefit year starts with the week you file your initial claim and lasts for 52 weeks.
 
During this benefit year, you may receive unemployment benefits if you are eligible, up to a maximum of 26 times your Weekly Benefit Amount. Even if you use all your benefits sooner, you cannot file another Oregon claim until after your benefit year ends. However, if you recently worked outside Oregon, you may be able to file a claim against another state before your Oregon benefit year ends; ask us for details.
 
Receiving benefits requires action on your part. Here is what you must do to receive benefits:
Use the Online Claim System or call the nearest Unemployment Insurance Center to file your initial claim. Use the Online Claim System or call the Weekly Claim Line to claim each week you wish to receive benefits.
  • Look for work every week. Keep track of where you look for work or the dates you check with your employer or union about work.
  • Keep track of any days that you are sick or away from the area where you live and work.
  • Keep track of any hours you work and the money you earn during each week.
  • If you are offered work, be able to tell us about the job offer: name of the company and person you spoke to, the work offered and details about the job, such as the duties, pay, hours etc.
You will receive benefits provided you meet the eligibility requirements for each week you claim after serving a Waiting Week.

 

Disqualifications
You are disqualified if:
  • You voluntarily left work without good cause;
  • Your employer discharged or suspended you for misconduct connected with your work;
  • You failed without good cause to accept suitable work when offered; or
  • You failed without good cause to apply for suitable work when referred to a job by the Employment Department.
 
DISQUALIFICATIONS have two parts:
  1. Benefits are denied until you earn at least four times your weekly benefit amount in wages and you have no new disqualifying separation from work. For example, if your weekly benefit amount is $200, you must earn at least $800 to requalify. You must earn this money by working for an employer who is required to pay unemployment insurance taxes; you cannot use self-employment to requalify for benefits. You must do this work after the week in which you were discharged, suspended, voluntarily left work or failed to accept or apply for suitable work.
  2. Your total benefits for your benefit year are also reduced by eight times your weekly benefit amount. For example, if your weekly benefit amount is $200, your total benefits are reduced from $5200 to $3600.
 
OTHER DENIALS can be for one week only or continue until the conditions no longer exist. For these denials, your total benefits are not reduced, and you are not required to work and earn four times your weekly benefit amount.
 
Some situations have special results:
  • If you are not able to work, not available for work, or not actively seeking work, you may be disqualified for the weeks affected by those issues.
  • If you do not provide information required to process your claim, benefits are denied on a week-to-week basis. It ends when you provide the needed information.
  • We deduct certain types of retirement pay from your weekly benefit amount, one dollar for every dollar you receive in retirement pay from a base year employer. For example, if you get fifty dollars a week in retirement pay, we will deduct fifty dollars from your benefits each week.
  • If you are not working due to a strike or lockout, you may be disqualified as long as the labor dispute continues.
  • If you are a school employee between terms or school years, you will generally only be eligible for benefits based on your non-school wages.
  • If you do not have authorization to work in the United States, we cannot pay you benefits.
  • If you were fired because you committed a felony or theft connected with your work, your benefits based on wages earned before you were fired are eliminated.
  • If you intentionally withhold or misrepresent facts to obtain benefits, you can be penalized for up to 26 unpaid weeks. The penalty remains in effect until it is satisfied or up to three years. You must also pay back the benefits and face other penalties that could include a jail sentence

Appeal Rights
Any time we reduce or deny your benefits, we notify you in writing. These written notices are called Administrative Decisions and have appeal rights. If you do not agree with the decision, you have the right to have the decision reviewed through the appeals process, which means you can have a hearing. Your employer has the same right if a written decision allows benefits.
 
With every administrative decision, you receive hearing information. Administrative decisions become final twenty (20) days after the mailing date, so do not delay if you want a hearing. You may appeal by letter mailed or faxed to the office address shown on the Administrative Decision. Your letter must specifically state, "I request a hearing." You must sign the letter and include your Social Security Number. To protect your rights, follow the instructions for requesting a hearing included with the decision.
 
AFTER YOU REQUEST A HEARING, CONTINUE TO REPORT BY CLAIMING BENEFITS FOR EACH WEEK YOU REMAIN UNEMPLOYED. If you win, you may be able to receive benefits for these weeks.
 
The Office of Administrative Hearings will schedule your hearing. Everyone involved will be notified by mail of the day and time of the hearing. You will also receive information about the hearing process . Our hearings are informal. You can but do not have to obtain legal representation.
 
Most hearings are held by telephone; it is very important for the Hearings Section to have your correct telephone number or message number. Please notify both the Hearings Section and your   Unemployment Insurance Center if you change your address or phone number after you request a hearing.
 
We can make special arrangements if you are hearing impaired or need a special accommodation.
 
An Administrative Law Judge, a neutral judge of the facts in your case, conducts the hearing. Statements made at the hearing by you, your employer or any witnesses are taken under oath and tape recorded. The person conducting the hearing will issue a written decision based on what is said and presented in writing at the hearing.
 
If you disagree with the hearing decision, you can appeal it to the Employment Appeals Board. To protect your rights, follow the instructions for requesting a review included with the hearing decision. The Employment Appeals Board will consider only what was said and presented in writing at the hearing. The Employment Appeals Board will mail a written decision to the parties when they complete their review. If you disagree with this decision, you can appeal it to the Oregon Court of Appeals and further appellate courts.

Payment Options
Reliacard
The Employment Department Pays Benefits in Three Ways:  Paper Check, Direct Deposit and ReliaCard:

1.  Payment by Check


Effective for all new claims filed after October 18, 2007, the first payment will be issued by check.  All subsequent payments will be issued electronically, either by ReliaCard or Direct Deposit.  Checks are printed on Monday through Friday nights.  We mail checks the work day after printing. If a holiday, such as Christmas, falls on a weekday, the check process is delayed one work day.

2.  Payment by Direct Deposit

With Direct Deposit, we electronically transfer your weekly benefit payment into your checking or savings account at your bank, credit union or savings and loan.

Your financial institution does not have to be in Oregon. There is no fee for direct deposit. With direct deposit:
  • You do not need to go to the bank; and
  • You will not experience mail delays or stolen checks.

You can apply by completing the online application or the Authorization for Direct Deposit Form (.pdf).  Mail or fax the completed form to the address listed on the form. After processing, we are permitted to pay your benefits by direct deposit. When applying by paper, attach a voided personal check to the authorization form if you want your payment deposited in a checking account. The voided check ensures the account number and the financial institution’s routing numbers are correct.  To use a savings account, enter your savings account number, bank routing number and attach a voided deposit slip.  You will be paid by paper check until direct deposit begins.
 
3.  Payment by Prepaid ReliaCard Visa

Beginning October 18, 2007, unemployment insurance payments will be issued through U.S. Bank® Visa® cards unless you apply for direct deposit to your own bank account.
 
Watch the Mail:
The card should arrive in a plain white envelope with a Fargo, ND return address in 7 to 10 days.  Do not throw away the card, even if you apply for direct deposit. 

Activate the Card:
You must call the toll-free number on the back of the card to activate the account before using the card.

Start Using Your Card:
Future unemployment insurance benefits will be loaded to the card automatically.
 
Posting of payments:
It normally takes two days for a payment to be available in your account.  A payment issued Monday evening should be available Wednesday morning. 
 
Faster
Authorized benefits will be deposited automatically to the ReliaCard Visa. No more waiting for a benefit check to arrive by mail.  Payments issued Monday night are usually deposited Wednesday morning.

Safer
No more worries about late, lost or stolen checks, or the need to carry a lot of cash.
 
 
The ReliaCard Visa ensures prompt payment of benefits to eligible unemployed workers.
ReliaCard is a prepaid Visa card. When you are issued unemployment insurance payments, the payments are automatically deposited to the card. You can use the money on the card to make purchases and get cash.

Benefits of the ReliaCard Visa
More Convenient
No more check-cashing fees or waiting in line to cash your benefit checks. Use the ReliaCard Visa for purchases everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted and get the cash you need at any U.S. Bank or Visa/PLUS® ATM.*
The U.S. Bank ReliaCard Visa is issued by U.S. Bank, N.A. Refer to the cardholder agreement that comes with your card for specific details. *ATM Network owners may charge a fee.  Additional ATM fees may apply according to the agreement sent with the card.
 

There are No Fees for the Following:
  • The first two cash withdrawals from US Bank, either from a US Bank ATM or a US Bank teller
  • Purchases from merchants who accept Visa debit cards (look for the Visa logo)
  • Cash back with purchase from Interlink® Merchants who accept Visa debit cards
  • Replacement of lost cards
  • Monthly statements - on line and paper
  • ATM balance inquiries made at a U.S. Bank ATM
  • Customer services inquiries
 
Transaction Fees Apply for the Following:
  • The third or more ATM or teller withdrawal per month.
  • Cash withdrawals made at non-U.S. Bank ATMs will incur a $1.50 fee per transaction. ATM owners may assess an additional surcharge.
  • Balance inquiries made at non U.S. Bank ATMs may incur a fee from the ATM owner even if a transaction is not completed.
  • Rush delivery of a replacement card is $15.
  • Account overdrafts are $17 per transaction. As a one time courtesy, U.S. Bank may reverse the overdraft fee. Customers should call ReliaCard Visa customer service to discuss how the account became overdrawn.
 
 
 

Here are Some Frequently Asked Questions about ReliaCard Visa
 

What is the ReliaCard Visa?
The ReliaCard Visa provides an electronic option for receiving your benefit payments. Issued by U.S. Bank, the ReliaCard Visa is a re-loadable, prepaid Visa card. If requested, the Oregon Employment Department will electronically deposit your unemployment insurance benefit payments onto a ReliaCard Visa of your own. This allows faster access to benefit payments.

How Does the ReliaCard Work?
The card may be used to make purchases everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The card may be used to pay bills, and for online, phone and mail order purchases. Cardholders can also get cash from over one million Visa/Plus branded ATMs, or from any bank teller of a financial institution that accepts Visa (look for the Visa logo). The amounts of purchases or cash withdrawals are automatically deducted from the available balance on the card.

When the card is sent in the mail, what does the envelope look like?
For security reasons, the card will arrive in a plain, white, windowed envelope with a Fargo, North Dakota (ND) return address.   Do not throw away the card, even if you apply for direct deposit or return to work.  Your card is good for one year, and you will need it if you become unemployed during the next year.

What information or instructions come with the card?
The card comes with:
  • Instructions on how to activate the card.
  • The cardholder agreement, which discloses fees and all terms and conditions.
  • A Welcome brochure detailing where and how the card can be used.
  • The U.S. Bank privacy pledge.
  • A Visa Purchase Security Guide to Benefits.
 
What do I do after I receive the card?
After receiving the card in the mail, you must call ReliaCard Visa customer service at 1-866-276-5114 to activate the card and choose your PIN.  You cannot use the card until it has been activated.  Cash withdrawals at ATMs require use of your PIN.  Again, for security reasons, it is important that you pick a PIN that only you would know.  Do not share your PIN or the card with anyone. You should never write your PIN on your card.  
 
When does the ReliaCard Visa expire?
The ReliaCard Visa is good for one year. If you are eligible for benefits at any time during the year, your benefit payments will be placed on the card. If you are still receiving benefit payments or have a balance in the account at the end of the year, a new card will be issued to replace the old one.
 
Are There Costs Associated with the Card?
 
Can I use my card without incurring fees?
Yes. The following activities will not incur fees:
  • Using your ReliaCard Visa to make purchases at any merchant who accepts Visa debit cards.
  • Getting cash back with your purchases at participating Interlink merchants.
  • Making up to two cash withdrawals from U.S. Bank ATMs or a U.S. Bank teller.  Additional withdrawals will result in a $1.50 fee per transaction. 
  • Requesting a replacement card (standard of 3-5 business days).
 
What fees are associated with this card?
When you receive your card, the cardholder agreement includes a list of fees that apply to the card. They include:
  • A $1.50 fee for each ATM transaction from a non-U.S. Bank ATM.  
  • Non-U.S. Bank ATM owners may assess their own fee for each transaction.
  • If the account is inactive for 120 consecutive days, there will be a fee of $2.00 per month charged against the remaining balance until the account becomes active again or until the balance is $0.00.  Performing an inquiry to your balance will keep your account active without fees.
  • Rush delivery of a replacement card is $15. The card arrives in 2-3 business days. Standard card replacement (3-5 days) is free.
  • An overdraft fee of $17.00 per transaction will be assessed if the card becomes overdrawn.
 
Are there fees for tracking my balance?
Each month you will receive a free printed statement which shows all card activity for the past month and your account balance. You may also check the account balance free of charge, 24 hours a day, by going online to www.reliacard.com or by calling ReliaCard Visa customer service at 1-866-276-5114. If you perform a balance inquiry at a non-U.S. Bank ATM, you may be charged a fee by the ATM owner, even if you do not perform a transaction.

Is there a fee for using this card to purchase goods at a store?
No. These transactions are called Point-of-Sale (POS) transactions. When using the ReliaCard Visa to make purchases, there is no fee associated with it. It works like a Visa debit card, except that it is paying the merchant from the amount stored on your card. At participating Interlink merchants, you can also request cash back without paying a fee.

Do I have to pay ATM fees?
You can make up to two cash withdrawals from U.S. Bank ATMs or a U.S. Bank teller without incurring fees.  Additional withdrawals will result in a $1.50 fee per transaction. 
 
For withdrawals from non-U.S. Bank ATMs, U.S. Bank will charge a service fee of $1.50.  The owner of that ATM may also charge an additional fee. These surcharge fees vary depending on the bank that owns the ATM. The ATM will notify you of the surcharge fee and allow you to cancel the transaction prior to being charged the fee.  

Must I have a PIN to use the card?
No PIN is needed to make Point-of-Sale (POS) signature-based purchases, but you may need to show ID. You must use a PIN for cash withdrawals at ATMs. You choose your own PIN when you receive your card. For security reasons, it is important that you pick a PIN that only you would know. Do not share your PIN or the card with anyone. You should never write your PIN on your card.

What should I do if I forget my PIN?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card. The Oregon Employment Department does not have access to your PIN. PIN issues must go through ReliaCard Visa customer service.

Can State agencies view or track my transactions?
No. For privacy reasons, U.S. Bank does not share card account numbers or transaction details. However, for reconciliation purposes, the Employment Department does have access to the amount and date of deposits to individual cards.

Is there a daily maximum amount I can take from my ReliaCard Visa account?
In order to lessen the risk of loss due to fraud or theft, U.S. Bank places daily transactional and dollar volume limits on the card. If you need to withdraw a large sum of money, make a withdrawal from a teller window at any bank or credit union that processes Visa transactions. The maximum amount allowed will be sufficient to withdraw your entire balance. When using the ReliaCard Visa at a merchant location to receive cash back, the merchant may have a maximum amount that you can request.

Can the ReliaCard Visa be overdrawn?
It is possible to overdraw the card in some situations. To avoid this, be sure to track your balance carefully. Check your balance free of charge by going online to www.reliacard.com, by calling 1-866-276-5114 or by performing a balance inquiry at an ATM. Keeping track of your available balance should prevent excessive withdrawals.

Must I go to a U.S. Bank ATM or U.S. Bank branch to get cash?
No. You can obtain cash from any of the over one million Visa/PLUS branded ATMs throughout the world, or over the counter at any bank or credit union that accepts Visa. You can also get cash back on purchases made at Interlink merchants throughout the United States, such as grocery and discount stores.  Note: To identify an Interlink merchant, simply match the Interlink logo on the back of the card to the logo displayed on the merchant's door or at the checkout counter.

What happens if the card is lost or stolen?
Call the toll-free ReliaCard Visa customer service number, 1-866-276-5114, to report a lost or stolen card.  A new card will be issued and any remaining balance will be transferred to the new card. If you report the missing card immediately and have not compromised your PIN, you will not be responsible for any confirmed fraudulent activity that occurs on your card.

What if I decide to switch from ReliaCard Visa to direct deposit to a checking/savings account?
Simply submit the direct deposit authorization that is included in your Claimant Handbook (the Authorization for Direct Deposit form is also available online) to request payments be directed to your financial institution.  Any payments you are eligible to receive will be directed to the ReliaCard until your direct deposit account is confirmed (this usually takes 8 days).  Continue to use the card until you have used the balance remaining on it.


What Are Some of the Features of the Card?
 
When using an ATM to withdraw funds, which selection (checking, savings, or credit card) do I choose?
You should select "checking" when making a withdrawal at an ATM.

Will I be able to add other funds to my card, in addition to what Employment Department puts on it?
No. Only the Employment Department can deposit funds to the card.

Will I earn interest on the funds in my ReliaCard Visa account?
No. The account does not earn interest.

Will I receive a monthly paper statement in the mail?
Yes. You may also view the current transaction history and past statements online at www.reliacard.com. To ensure that your monthly statement is sent to the correct address, please contact ReliaCard Visa customer service at 1-866-276-5114 to report an address change.  The Employment Department will not forward address changes to the Bank.  If you do not want to receive paper statements, select the option to receive statements online.

How can I check the available balance on my card?
You can obtain your current available balance in three ways:
  • View your account online at www.reliacard.com.
  • Do a balance inquiry at an ATM (If non-U.S. Bank ATM, a fee may be charged). 
  • Call the toll-free customer service number on the back of the card.
 
Can I view my account online?
Yes. View your account activity online at www.reliacard.com, a secure web site.
You can perform the following functions online:
  • Change your Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  • Perform a balance inquiry . View your current month's transactions.
  • View previous statements for the last 12 months.
 
Do I need special software to view my account online?
You can view account activity online with any of the following browsers:
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later
  • Netscape 4.72 or later
  • AOL 5.0 or later
 
How do I get my name or address changed on this account?
Call ReliaCard Visa customer service at 1-866-276-5114 to change the address on the account. Don't forget to also contact your Employment Department Unemployment Insurance Center.  

Can someone other than the person whose name is on it use the card?
For security reasons, you should never share your PIN or allow anyone else to use your card.

Can I use the card to build a credit history?
No. The card does not help establish credit history as no credit check is required to receive the card, and it is not tied to a bank account or a credit line.
 

What Services Come With the Card?
 
Who do I contact if I have questions about my card?
For questions about your payments, such as when you will receive the next deposit to the card, or the amount of a deposit to the card, contact your Employment Department UI Center. For all other questions about the card, you may contact ReliaCard Visa customer service 24 hours a day, toll-free at 1-866-276-5114. This number is on the back of the card.

What services does ReliaCard Visa 24-hour customer service provide?
You can perform the following services by calling ReliaCard Visa customer service toll free
at 1-866-276-5114:
  • Activate the card.
  • Choose/Change your PIN.
  • Perform a balance inquiry.
  • Review recent transaction history, including deposits.
  • Report card lost or stolen and have it reissued.
  • Speak directly to a representative if additional assistance is needed.
 
Can I contact my local bank or the local U.S. Bank for customer service on my ReliaCard Visa account?
No.  You must direct all of your ReliaCard Visa questions to the toll-free customer service line.
You may also utilize the web site www.reliacard.com for inquiries.
 
Can I request a second card for another individual such as a family member?
No. Only the person approved for unemployment compensation benefit payments will receive a card.



Taxing Your Benefits
Any unemployment insurance benefits you receive are fully taxable income if you are required to file a tax return. At the time you file, you may elect to have State and/or Federal withholding on benefits you are paid. You may change this withholding election at any time in the future. Changing your tax withholding status must be done so in writing and requires a signature. To make a change in your tax withholding, you can print and complete a Form 1040WH (Authorization for Tax Withholding) to mail to your Unemployment Insurance Center. Call your local  Unemployment Insurance Center if you have additional questions.
 
At the end of January each year, we will mail you a Form 1099-G, Statement for Recipients of Unemployment Compensation. Form 1099-G tells you how much you received in benefits last year. We send a copy to the Internal Revenue Service. If you have received benefits against a state other than Oregon, the other state will also send you a Form 1099-G. If you choose to have taxes withheld, the amount of withholding will be reported on this form.
 
We send your 1099-G statement to the last address we have on file for you. Please call your field office or notify us in writing of your address change even if you stopped reporting on your claim. If you do not receive your statement by the second week of February, call your  Unemployment Insurance Center  .
 
If you have questions about your taxes, contact the IRS or a tax consultant. Click on this Link to access resources provided by IRS.

Self Employment
You must establish a valid claim before you can receive benefits. If you worked for other employers during your base year, or your business was incorporated, you may have enough hours of work and wages for a claim. If you were not incorporated while self-employed, you may not be eligible. Call your  Unemployment Insurance Center and ask to speak to a tax auditor. You may also call the Employment Department Employer Tax Status Unit in Salem at (503) 947-1488, if you have questions.
 
You may be eligible for benefits if you are self-employed. Your eligibility will depend on several things, such as
  • Your prior jobs,
  • The type and size of your business,
  • How much time you spend on your business,
  • Whether you are willing and able to drop self-employment for full-time work, and
  • Other factors.
 
If you are self-employed now or start a business while claiming benefits, call your  Unemployment Insurance Center about expenses that you can deduct from the earnings you report on your weekly claims. Failure to tell us that you are self-employed may cause a denial of benefits.

School Attendance
School attendance can affect your availability for work and your eligibility for benefits if you limit the hours and days you can look for or accept work. If you can attend class at other times, have made special arrangements with your instructors, or would drop school to work, you may receive benefits. While attending school, you must still keep looking for and be willing to accept full-time as well as part-time work. Tell your  Unemployment Insurance Center the week before you start school, even if you take only one class.
 
You can attend school and receive benefits if you are in an approved training program. Call your  Unemployment Insurance Center for more information

Training Unemployment Ins.
The Training Unemployment Insurance (TUI) Program was established when the legislature recognized that economic stability is threatened when workers are displaced and their unemployment is more severe because they lack transferable job skills.

The purpose of the TUI program is to allow eligible dislocated workers to attend school and receive unemployment insurance benefits at the same time so that they can continue to care for their families and obtain employment.

To qualify for TUI an individual must be certified as a dislocated worker by meeting the criteria under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) or be certified by the Employment Department.

After the individual is certified as a dislocated worker, to qualify for the program the individual must:
  • Have a valid unemployment insurance claim.
  • Have a training plan established and approved by WIA or other similar organization.
  • Submit a TUI application to the Employment Department within 90 days of the dislocated worker certification.
Basic eligibility for the program:
  • Up to 26 weeks of regular benefits
  • Any state or federal extension that may be available
 
For further information about the program, please call the UI Training Program Unit at (800) 436-6191 or (503) 378-8768.

 
Page updated: September 16, 2008

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