Alaska Unemployment – Apply Online
CALL: (907) 269-4700 for Anchorage UI Claim Center
(907) 451-2871 for Fairbanks area | (907) 465-5552 for Juneau area.
Vist an Alaska Job Center
How to apply for Alaska unemployment compensation
Alaska Unemployment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to eligible unemployed workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. To receive UI benefits in Alaska, you must meet certain UI eligibility requirements. This includes earning enough wages during a specified period of time, being able and available for suitable work, and actively seeking employment while you collect weekly payments.
Information needed to apply
- Your Social Security number
- Your telephone number
- Mailing address and physical address
- Previous employer’s name, address, and phone number
- Dates of employment and reason for leaving
- Total hours worked and gross wages in last worked week
- (For military service in the past 18 months, including National Guard) fax copy of DD214
- (For non-citizens) Alien Registration Number, card type, and expiration date
Applying for Alaska unemployment benefits
Apply for the Alaska unemployment insurance program as soon as you lose your job or start working less than full-time.
Apply by phone
You are highly encouraged to apply for UI benefits online. But if you don’t have access to broadband internet, you can call the claims office toll free number for assistance starting a claim. You can also make an appointment with your local Alaska unemployment office.
Call: 888-252-2557. Claim center specialists are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Alaska Standard Time (AST), Monday through Friday.
Apply online
To apply for Alaska unemployment benefits, you must create a myAlaska account and submit your application online. UI online services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To start, sign in to my.alaska.gov. Click “My Services” and then “Unemployment Insurance Benefits.” If you need help, call the claim center Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
myAlaska
The myAlaska website is maintained by the State of Alaska. It provides a centralized platform for Alaskans to access a wide variety of Alaska online services. Users can manage their information, view their transaction history, and perform other actions related to the services they have enrolled in through the myAlaska portal.
When using the UI website, always use the same myAlaska account. If you have a myAlaska account from previous activities, you can use it for unemployment claims, too.
Once you are logged in to myAlaska, navigate to Unemployment Insurance Benefits. On the Client Authentication screen, enter your full Social Security Number, first and last name, and date of birth.
After authentication, click on File a new claim. Answer the questions about your initial claim data. This is where you verify your previous employment and report your earnings. You will be asked a series of questions to see if you meet Alaska eligibility requirements.
Select Payment Method
The final step of the UI application is to choose your preferred payment method. You can choose to have your unemployment compensation in the form of direct deposit into your bank account, or you can choose to use a debit card. To set up direct deposit, be sure to have your bank account number and routing number ready.
If you don’t set up direct deposit, a debit card will be automatically mailed to you. You can change your payment preference by logging in to your myAlaska account.
After you apply
The initial week of your unemployment claim is known as a Waiting Week. You won’t receive a payment, but you still need to file for that week to get credit.
After opening your unemployment claim, you need to certify bi-weekly. You have two options for filing: through my.alaska.gov online or by phone. Learn more about filing your biweekly claim.
How much will I get paid?
In Alaska, the amount you can receive for UI benefits each week can be between $56 and $370. The final amount is based on your gross earnings, work history, and the number of dependents in your household. You can claim up to three dependents and receive an extra $24 per week per child.
After applying, you will receive a Monetary Determination letter that tells you the exact amount you’ll receive each week and for how many weeks. To calculate your potential benefits, use the Alaska unemployment calculator.
What if my application is denied?
If your Alaska Unemployment Insurance (UI) application is denied, you have the right to file an appeal within 30 days from the date of your denial letter. During the hearing, you can present your case and provide evidence to support your claim. You may represent yourself or hire an employment lawyer. If you disagree with the decision of the appeals referee, you can file a second appeal with the Alaska Board of Appeals.
A final note about fraud
Be sure to tell the truth on your application and weekly claim. According to Alaska law, intentionally misrepresenting your information has serious consequences. Examples of Alaska unemployment fraud include lying, hiding the truth, or giving false information to get your unemployment insurance benefit. You’ll have to give the money back. In addition to losing your benefits, you could also be punished with jail time, fines, or even criminal charges.
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