In order to receive unemployment insurance benefits in Idaho, you must first submit an application. You can do this by using the state’s online unemployment portal. Applications are not accepted over the phone. If you are unable to access the iUS Claimant Portal, you can visit your local Idaho Job Center.
Applying for Idaho unemployment benefits online
The easiest way to apply for Idaho unemployment benefits is to use the Idaho iUS Claimant Portal. This online system allows you to communicate with the Idaho Department of Labor to manage your unemployment benefits, including:
- Submitting an initial application for benefits
- Filing weekly certifications
- Managing contact information
- Accessing claim and overpayment details
- Viewing payment info and tax documents
Information to file for benefits
When applying for Idaho unemployment insurance, be prepared to supply the following personal information:
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license
- Alien registration number and card (if you’re not a U.S. citizen)
- Work history for all employers in the past two years, including:
- Company name
- Company address
- Company phone number
- Employment start and end dates
- Total gross earnings
- Reason for job separation
- Military service forms (if applicable)
How to create your iUS Claimant Portal account
Creating an iUS claimant portal account is easy and secure. To get started, visit labor.idaho.gov/ClaimantPortal, then click the “Sign in with ID.me” button.
ID.me is an online identity verification system. If you already have an account, you can simply log in with your existing information. Otherwise, you will need to create an account. This will require you to use a mobile phone that has a camera or a computer with a webcam. You will also need to provide:
- A government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Email address
- Phone number
- Current Address
- Social Security number
Once you create an ID.me account, you will be able to log into the Idaho iUS Claimant Portal and submit your application for benefits.
Verifying your identity for unemployment benefits
Your identity will be verified when you register for an account with ID.me. Their system will direct you on how to safely upload copies of your government IDs and submit a video selfie to confirm your information.
This process is fairly straightforward and automatic, but should you have any issues, you may need to finish the verification process with a video call.
What to do after submitting an initial application for Idaho unemployment insurance
Once you apply for unemployment benefits in Idaho, you must submit a weekly certification to continue receiving benefits and show that you are actively looking for full time work. You also need to register with IdahoWorks, and maintain a weekly record of your work search activities.
The state of Idaho requires each unemployment claimant to contact two employers each week. You will need to submit information about each contact with your weekly certification, so it’s highly recommended that you print out and maintain a work search log.
How to register for work
To register for work, you will need to create an account on IdahoWorks.gov. When creating a new account, be prepared to supply your:
- Social Security number
- Preferred username and password
- Full name
- Phone number
- Current address
Failure to register with IdahoWorks may result in a benefit denial.
Why would a UI application be denied?
If there is a problem with your unemployment insurance claim, your payments may be denied or delayed while the Idaho Labor investigates.
Some of the issues that can cause a delay include:
- Quitting your job
- Getting fired
- Being unable to work
- Attending school
- Going to jail
- Missing or refusing work
- Failing to look for work
- Not providing needed information
- Making a false statement
- Becoming self-employed full time
It’s important to report any changes in your situation to the Idaho Department of Labor so that they have the most up-to-date information.
What happens if my unemployment application is denied?
After you apply for benefits, you will receive a determination letter in the mail. If you are not approved for benefits and believe that this denial was made in error, you have the right to appeal the decision with a hearing officer from the appeals bureau.
When will I start receiving UI benefits?
The first week after you apply is known as the waiting week. While you will need to meet the eligibility requirements during the waiting week, you will not receive unemployment compensation for it.
Once you have filed your weekly certification for the second week, you will receive your first payment. After that, you can expect to receive subsequent payments within three to four business days after submitting a weekly claim. Curious how much you’ll receive? Try the Idaho unemployment calculator to estimate your payments.
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