Applying for the Missouri Unemployment Insurance program
Unemployment benefits in Missouri are administered by the Missouri Department of Labor’s Division of Employment Security. This unemployment compensation provides temporary financial assistance to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and are actively seeking new employment.
If you become unemployed, you should apply for Missouri UI benefits as soon as possible.
Information needed to apply for Missouri unemployment benefits
Before applying be sure to have the following information and documentation ready. This will speed up the application process and ensure your information is submitted correctly the first time.
- Your name and mailing address
- Your Social Security Number
- Banking information including routing and account number (for direct deposit)
- Gross earnings for the week including vacation and holiday pay
- Employer information: Provide the name, address, and dates of employment for each employer you worked for in the last 18 months
How to apply for Missouri unemployment benefits
In Missouri, the only way to apply for unemployment compensation is online. The UInteract system allows you to apply for benefits, file weekly claims, check the status of your claim, and much more. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can use the resource room at your local Missouri job center.
To apply, log in to UInteract by visiting uinteract.labor.mo.gov. The website is also mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate using a smartphone.
How to create a UInteract account
First time applicants will need to create an account and set up a user ID and password.
Begin by creating an account. Clicking on “New Account Registration” on the login screen. Input your Social Security Number (SSN), your name, and your birth date. Make sure that this information matches what’s in the Division records.
Once you’ve entered this, you can create your User ID and Password. You’ll also need to pick your security questions and answers. When you’re done, you’ll see a screen confirming that you’ve successfully registered.
Filing an Initial Claim
Now, you’re ready to log in and file your unemployment claim. Input your User ID and Password on the login screen. Click on ‘Unemployment Claim’, then ‘File Unemployment Claim’, and follow the prompts on the screen. Once you’re done, you’ll receive a confirmation for your claim that you can print for your records.
If you find yourself needing help or have any questions, call your Regional Claims Center for assistance.
Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday.
Verifying your identification with ID.me
Missouri uses ID.me to verify your identity. This is to protect your personal information from identity theft and Missouri unemployment fraud.
ID.me only verifies your identity – it does not handle Missouri unemployment claims or payments to claimants.
Verification process
You can verify your identity for unemployment benefits through a self-service method.
You will be asked to upload certain information, such as a copy of your government-issued photo ID.
The following items are required for verifying with ID.me:
- A mobile phone that has a camera or a computer with a webcam
- Email address
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- United States phone number
- Current U.S. address
- Social Security Number
Once your identity is verified
It might take up to 7 business days for Missouri DES to resolve the issue. Once your identity is confirmed, you can sign into your Missouri UInteract account.
After you apply for the Missouri Unemployment Insurance program
When you set up your claim, the starting date is going to be at the start of the week when you file, which is a Sunday. Once you submit your application, the Division of Employment Security will send you a form in the mail titled Notice of Initial Determination of Status as an Insured Worker.
Please note: Even if the form identifies you as an insured worker, it doesn’t guarantee that you qualify for unemployment benefits.
The form will provide the following information:
- Your weekly benefit amount and maximum benefit amount
- The date when your claim starts
- Your base period
- The wage amount reported by each of your employers during each quarter of your base period.
The base period is the 12-month period before the date you apply for benefits. The wages you earned during the previous year are used to determine your eligibility for Missouri unemployment and calculate your benefit amount.
Once you’ve filed your new claim, you’ll need to file weekly claims for payment and fulfill your weekly work search requirements.
Report any mistakes
If you see any mistakes in the listed wages, if you notice some of your wages are not included, or if you disagree with the starting date of your claim, you should reach out to your Regional Claims Center (RCC) by the deadline indicated at the bottom of the form.
If you don’t respond by this date, you may forfeit the opportunity to include these extra wages. You might need to present proof of the correct wages, like check stubs, W-2 statements, or other documentation. Always be honest and provide accurate information. Intentionally providing inaccurate information is a form of Missouri unemployment fraud, which results in the loss of benefits, financial penalties and possible criminal charges.
Regardless of whether you’ve asked the DES to review the wages used for your claim, you should start submitting your weekly requests. Make sure to continue to file for every week that you’re unemployed.
Receiving Payment
During the application process, you will be asked to choose a preferred payment method. You can set up direct deposit or have your funds deposited onto a Money Network Visa debit card.
If you want to set up direct deposit, be sure to have your bank account number and routing number handy. If you prefer the debit card, it will be mailed to you within 2 weeks of the application date.
Benefits are usually paid within 22 days unless something needs further investigation. Resolving eligibility issues can take an extra 4 to 6 weeks. If an issue comes up with your claim, you’ll have the chance to provide additional information.
Waiting Week
Even though you are required to file a weekly claim, you won’t receive a payment for the first week. This is called a waiting week. Payments will begin once the waiting week is over.
Appealing a Denial
If your application for Missouri unemployment insurance is denied, you can file an appeal. You have the right to request a hearing with the Appeals Tribunal. They will allow you to present additional evidence to support your claim.
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