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Before you Start

Your time is valuable and we want the claim filing process to go as quickly as possible, we have identified critical items you should have immediately available regardless of which option you select to file your claim.

Information we will need:

  1. Your name (including all names you used while working) and social security account number.
  2. Your mailing and residence address (including ZIP code) and telephone number (including area code).
  3. Your state issued driver's license or ID card number, if you have either.
  4. The last date you worked for any employer. If you are working part-time be sure to tell us you are still working and give us the number of hours you are working each week.
  5. Last employer information, including: name, address (mailing and physical location) and telephone number. We will also need the ZIP code for both addresses (mailing and physical location) and the area code for your last employer's telephone number.

    Be specific about the spelling of the employer's name and make sure the address is correct because we are required to mail a notice to that employer. An incorrect address will delay benefit payments.
  6. Information on all employers you worked for during the 18 months prior to filing your claim, including: name, period of employment, wages earned and how you were paid.
  7. The name of the employer you worked for the longest within the last year and a half; and the number of years you worked for that employer. This may or may not be the same as your last employer.
  8. The reason you are no longer working for your last employer. You may have quit, been laid off, fired, or left work because of a trade dispute. Be specific about the reason you are not working because the information you give to us must be sent to your last employer. If you quit, were fired, or left work because of a trade dispute, you will be scheduled to a future telephone interview. The information we obtain during the interview will help us decide if you are eligible to receive benefits.
  9. Whether you are receiving, or expect to receive any payments from a former employer. We ask about this because some types of payments may be deducted from your benefits. A few examples of payments that may be deducted include wages, pension payments, holiday pay, and vacation or sick pay.
  10. Whether you are able to work and available to accept work.
  11. Whether you have a legal right to work in the United States. If applicable, individuals will be asked for their alien registration number. For examples of documents we may ask you about, take the time to review Legal Status and Authorization to Work.