Displaced Worker's Unemployment Insurance FAQ's

What is unemployment insurance?

Unemployment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to qualified workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Benefits are not based on need.

How do I apply for unemployment insurance benefits?

When you become unemployed or have a reduction in your work schedule, you can call HAWAII TELE-CLAIM at the phone numbers below to file your unemployment claim. TTY relay service is available.
 
643-5555 (from anywhere in Hawaii)
1-877-215-5793 (from outside the State of Hawaii, toll-  free)

Hours of operation:
6:30 am to 12 midnight (Sunday to Thursday)
6:30 am to 4:30 pm (Friday)

Your claim will be effective from the week in which you finalize and complete the claim filing process after talking to a customer service representative. Your claim is good for a one year period called the “benefit year.”

Be prepared to provide your:
Social security number
All employment information such as:
Employer’s name and address
Dates of employment
Reason for separation for the past 18 months (incl. part-time work) 

If you relocate to another state, you can still file your application by calling the toll-free number.

What is my base period?

To find your base period, go back to the last 5 completed quarters before you applied for unemployment and use the first 4 quarters.  If you do not have sufficient wages in the first 4 quarters, you can also use an alternate base period consisting of the last 4 completed quarters.  Sufficient wages means you have wages in at least 2 quarters and wages totaling 26 times your weekly benefit amount in your base period.

How much would I get per week?

To calculate your weekly benefit amount, take the quarter with the highest wages in your base period and divide by 21.

How often will I get my unemployment check?

The normal filing period will be weekly for the first 2 weeks and bi-weekly for the following weeks.  The first week of unemployment is a waiting period week and no benefits are paid out.  Your first unemployment check for the second week of unemployment is normally paid in 3 weeks and thereafter, you will be paid on a bi-weekly basis.

What is the maximum weekly benefit amount?  How do you qualify for that amount?

The maximum weekly benefit amount is computed each year based on a percentage of the state’s average weekly wages.  For 2008, the maximum amount is $523 and it usually changes every year.  To receive the maximum benefit amount, you must have been paid wages of 26 times your weekly benefit amount in the highest quarter of your base period.

How will the UI office know if I am actually looking for work?

All individuals claiming benefits must actively seek work and are required to make at least 3 job contacts every week.  You are required to keep a record of your job contacts on Form UC-253 "Record of Contacts Made for Work".  Job contacts can be made in-person, by phone or through the internet.  Periodically, your local claims office will request a copy of your job contacts or schedule you for an in-person interview to check on your job search activities.

If you are a member of a referring union, you must follow your union procedures to obtain new work.  The 3 job contact requirement is waived.

Do I have to accept a job that pays lower than what I want?

You must be willing to accept the wages that are prevailing or customary for your occupation in the community in which you are seeking work.  If your unemployment continues, you may be required to lower your wage demand.

What happens if I am offered another position and refuse?

If you refuse a job that is suitable for you and you do not have good cause for the refusal, you will be disqualified as of the week of your refusal.

What if I have a pt job?  Can I still collect?

You may be able to collect while part-time employed.  You can earn up to $150 without any reduction in your weekly benefit amount.  Any earnings above $150 will be deducted from your weekly benefit amount and you will be paid the balance.  If your earnings are equal to or exceed your weekly benefit amount, no benefits will be paid to you.

Can I still collect even if I am receiving regular severance payments and benefits?

Yes.  If you are separated from employment and no longer have any obligation to perform services for your former employer, severance payments have no effect on your unemployment benefits.

If I choose to retire when the company shuts down, am I still eligible?

You should still be eligible for unemployment if the loss of your job and company closing was the primary reason for your unemployment.  If you did not have a choice to continue working, it does not matter if you exercised your option to retire at the time your employment was terminated.

If you leave or retire prior to the closure and work is still available to you, your termination is considered a voluntary quit and your quit must be with good cause to be eligible.

Are retirement benefits deductible from my unemployment?

Retirement benefits are deductible only if you did not make any contributions to the pension plan, the pension plan is maintained or contributed by a base period employer and the base period services affect the eligibility for or increase the amount of the pension.  Social security is not deductible since you do make contributions to the plan.

What if I attend school?  What if I go on vacation?  Can I still collect?

You must be able and available for work to collect unemployment benefits.  If you attend school and cannot accept work or restrict your availability for work because of your schooling, benefits will be denied.  Similarly, if you go on vacation and are not available for work, benefits will be denied.  When you are once again available for work, benefits can resume.

What if I am having surgery?  What if I am pregnant?  Can I still collect?

If you are having surgery and cannot work, you are not available for work and benefits will be denied.  The medical waiver provision in our law may be applicable if you are already collecting unemployment prior to the start of your disability and you have a physician's certificate in regards to your disability.  If you are pregnant and can still accept work, you are considered able and available for work.

What happens if I relocate out-of-state?  Can I still collect?  What do I do?

You must notify us about your change in address and you will be able to continue collecting benefits as an interstate claimant.  You will file your claim certifications by calling Hawaii Tele-Claim directly using an out-of-state toll-free number.

Can I look for work on the mainland?

You can continue to file your claim certifications from the mainland while making an active search for work.  You can call Hawaii Tele-Claim directly using an out-of-state toll-free number.  Be sure to keep a record of your job search activities.