After you apply for unemployment benefits in Missouri, you are required to certify each week and request payment. These weekly claims serve as proof of your ongoing eligibility for UI benefits, and are required before you can receive your weekly unemployment benefit.
In each weekly claim, you need to confirm your ongoing job search, report any income earned during that week, and notify the Missouri Department of Labor about any changes in your employment status. This process is crucial for maintaining your Missouri unemployment benefits and It’s important to submit your weekly claim accurately and on time to avoid delays or a denial of benefits.
How to file a weekly claim in Missouri
File your weekly unemployment claim each week, beginning as early as Sunday.
Log in at uinteract.mo.gov. The website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Select “Weekly Request for Payment” and follow the prompts.
Information to have when requesting payment
When filing your weekly claim, be sure to have the following information ready:
- Social Security number
- PIN
- Weekly earnings, if applicable
- 3 new job contacts / work search activities
- Any job offers that you refused, if applicable
When you’re preparing to file your Missouri unemployment weekly claim, make sure to have your Social Security Number and your Personal Identification Number (PIN) within easy reach.
You need to accurately report any earnings you made during the week, whether from work or as vacation or holiday pay. Record the gross amount, which is the total amount before any deductions. The Missouri Department of Employment Security will confirm these wages with your employer.
You can file your weekly request for payment online through uinteract.mo.gov, available 24/7. Just log into the claims filing system, answer the questions provided, and hit “Submit”. A confirmation page will indicate that your claim has been successfully filed.
Reporting wages
You must report all wages earned during the week, even if you haven’t received the payment yet. This includes any tips, commissions, bonuses, etc. You must also report any non-monetary compensation such as board or lodging. It’s important to be completely honest when answering questions. Intentionally providing false information is Missouri unemployment fraud, which can result in steep fines and penalties.
To remain eligible for Missouri unemployment benefits, you must be able and available to work full time each day. This means that no illness, injury, or personal circumstances should prevent you from working during the week claimed. Being eligible for Missouri unemployment benefits requires that you meet these conditions each week that you file a claim.
Work search requirements
One of the questions you will be asked during the certification process is about searching for work. To be eligible for Ui benefits, you must be actively searching for work each week. According to Missouri UI work search requirements, you must perform three work search activities each week. Approved activities include applying for jobs, updating your resume, and attending job fairs. Learn more.
Waiting Week
You don’t get paid for the first weekly claim, even though you are required to file. This is what’s known as the waiting week. It’s the first week you qualify for unemployment benefits. Even though you aren’t paid, you must file just as you would for any other week.
Receiving payment
During the initial application process, you were given a choice of how to receive payment. You can be paid via direct deposit or Money Network Visa debit card. If you chose debit card as your preferred payment method, a Money Network Visa debit card will be mailed to your address on file.
Keep in mind, your benefits won’t arrive on the same day every week, and the Missouri Department of Employment Security won’t mail you a notice when they process your benefits. It’s important to remember that your unemployment benefits are subject to both federal and state income taxes.
How to check the status of your Missouri unemployment claim
Your payment information will become available two business days after you file your weekly request for payment of benefits. If you would like to estimate your weekly benefit amount ahead of time, you can use the Missouri unemployment calculator.
To track your claim and benefits, you can click on My Account/Claim Status or call your regional claims center. Just say “Claim Inquiry” when asked why you’re calling. These resources are available 24/7 and will let you see if your unemployment benefits have been paid, when they were paid, and how they were paid.
If you’re trying to see if benefits have been loaded onto your debit card, check your UInteract account first. Benefits are typically available on your debit card after 5:30 pm on the day they are released.
For details about your benefits, you can check your debit card balance and see your full transaction history at www.mo-access.com, or by calling 888-775-3445. Your first call using the automated voice response system is free, but any additional calls will cost $.50 each. If you need to speak with a customer service representative, be aware that each call will cost $3.00. You are encouraged to use the website portal instead of calling since website access is always free.
Payment Delays
If there are any complications with your unemployment claim, your payment may be delayed by several weeks. This typically happens when an investigation needs to be carried out to confirm your eligibility for benefits.
Keep filing your weekly claim if this happens. If you are ultimately denied benefits, you can file an appeal. It’s important to keep filing weekly claims during the appeal process, otherwise you won’t collect any back pay if you win your appeal.
When to stop filing weekly claims
You can file weekly claims in Missouri for up to 20 weeks, sometimes longer if extended benefits are available – typically when the Missouri unemployment rate is too high. Previous extensions available during the COVID pandemic have expired, such as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).
When you find a full time job, you can simply stop filing weekly claims. Your claim will be closed in 28 days.
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