How to apply for Hawaii unemployment benefits
Apply Online | Visit a Hawaii Job Center
In order to initiate a claim for Hawaii Unemployment Insurance benefits, individuals are required to submit their application via the state’s online portal at https://huiclaims.hawaii.gov/.
Information needed to file for benefits
When applying for unemployment benefits in Hawaii, claimants will need to provide the following information:
- Name
- Contact information
- Social Security number
- Employment history for the past 18 months, including:
- Employer name and address
- Dates of employment
- Reason for separation
- Banking information for direct deposits
- Checking or savings account number
- Bank routing number
How to create a huiclaims.hawaii.gov account
To create an online account for unemployment benefits, go to huiclaims.hawaii.gov and click the “Get Started” button located in the “For Claimants” box on the page. From there, click “Create Account.” This will bring you to the form to create your account.
Input your information and activate your account. Once your account is activated, you will be redirected back to complete the process of filing your unemployment claim.
If you lack internet connectivity or require assistance, you can visit your local claims office and use one of the available computer kiosks
It typically takes around 30 minutes to complete the online filing.
How to use your huiclaims.hawaii.gov account
After establishing an online account, you will be able to access your claim details and communicate with the State of Hawaii’s Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
This includes:
- Initiating a new claim, additional claim or reactivating an existing one.
- Submitting weekly claim certifications
- Updating your mailing address
- Reviewing your payment history
- Checking claim status
- Receiving email confirmations, instructions, and important notices
Verifying your identity for Hawaii unemployment benefits
Many states require you to go through an identity verification process to qualify for unemployment benefits. Be prepared to answer questions based on public record, submit identification documents, such as a copy of your Social Security card, driver’s license, state ID, or passport, or participate in an interview with a Department of Labor and Industrial Relations employee.
What to do after submitting an initial application for Hawaii Unemployment Insurance
Once you have submitted your initial unemployment benefits application, you must submit a weekly or biweekly claim certification to maintain your eligibility. You are required to make three or more work search contacts each week, and must keep a record of all contacts.
How to register for work
You are also required to register for work with the State of Hawaii Workforce Development Division. This includes posting a resume to HireNet Hawaii.
You can register online by visiting the HireNet Hawaii portal at hirenethawaii.com, or by dropping by your local American Jobs Center Hawaii in person.
You must have an active resume posted to HireNet Hawaii the entire time you are receiving benefits. Resumes are posted for one year, and will need to be updated if you are receiving benefits after the expiration date.
You are required to post your online resume within 7 days of submitting your UI claim.
Why would a UI application be denied?
Several reasons could lead to a denial of unemployment benefits. These reasons include, but are not limited to:
- Voluntary Resignation without Good Cause
- Discharge or Suspension due to Misconduct at Work
- Refusal of Suitable Work without Good Cause
- Unable or Unavailable for Work
- Labor Disputes
- Receiving Other Unemployment Benefits
- Fraud
What happens if my unemployment application is denied?
If you were denied unemployment benefits in the state of Hawaii, you have the right to appeal the decision by pleading your case in a hearing before the state’s Employment Security Appeals Referees’ Office.
When will I start receiving UI benefits?
Under Hawaii state law, the initial qualifying week for unemployment benefits is referred to as the “waiting period.” While no unemployment compensation is provided during this week, you are still required to file your weekly claim certification and meet all eligibility criteria to receive credit.
Assuming that claim certifications are submitted on time, eligibility criteria is fulfilled, and you haven’t received a disqualification letter, you should receive your first payment approximately three weeks after filing your initial application. You can use the Hawaii unemployment calculator to estimate your weekly payment.
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