Apply Online
Apply by phone: 877-File-4-UI (877-345-3484)
Visit a WorkSource Oregon Job Center
How to Apply for Regular Unemployment Insurance Benefits
If you have lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for Oregon unemployment insurance benefits.
There are two ways to apply: online or by phone.
Online Application
The fastest way to apply for unemployment compensation is through the Online Claim System.
Click on “Regular UI Initial Claim” to get started.
If you are eligible to use the Online Claim System, it takes approximately 30 minutes to file your claim online. Make sure to print the summary pages upon completion and keep them for your records.
Fill out the online form accurately to avoid any delays in receiving your benefits. Be extra careful when entering your Social Security Number and address.
Apply by phone
You can also apply by phone at 1-877-File-4-UI (1-877-345-3484). However, due to high call volume, you may experience long wait times.
When attempting to contact the Unemployment Insurance Contact Center, it is important to keep a few tips in mind. First, call throughout the day, but the early morning and early afternoon are generally the best times to call. If you are unable to get through, keep trying, but note that callbacks cannot be scheduled due to high call volume. Additionally, try to call before 3 p.m. to have your call answered before the phone lines close.
To further avoid long wait times, consider avoiding high volume days. Call volumes are highest on Mondays and Fridays and can also be high on Wednesdays if there is a bank or federal holiday on Monday.
The UI Contact Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 877-345-3484. When calling, it is important to listen to the menu and select the appropriate option to help route your call to the right claims specialist, saving you additional wait times.
Under some circumstances, the only way to apply for Oregon unemployment is to call the Claims Center. If you have filed an unemployment claim in another state within the last 12 months, have not worked in Oregon in the past 18 months, worked as a merchant seaman in the last 18 months, or are currently outside of the United States, you must file your initial claim by calling one of the Unemployment Insurance Centers.
Unemployment insurance claims are no longer handled through local employment offices.
Information needed to apply
To apply for Oregon’s unemployment insurance program, you will need to gather the following information and documents:
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Contact details
- A comprehensive list of all the employers you’ve worked for in the past 18 months
- Each employer’s name, address, and phone number
- Wages earned
- Start and end dates of your employment with each employer
- Your bank account number
- Routing number (for direct deposit)
- Your Alien Registration Number and documentation if you are not a citizen of the United States
- Phone number where you can be reached during normal business hours
Tips for filing your initial claim
Here are some tips to help ensure your Oregon unemployment benefits application is processed as quickly and efficiently.
- Be Prepared: Before you begin your application, learn about eligibility requirements
- Apply Online: The best way to file your initial claim is by using the Online Claim System. However, if you cannot file online, you can claim benefits for unemployment insurance using the automated phone system at 800-982-8920.
- Payments: Start your claim from the date you lost your job or had your hours reduced and be sure to file weekly claims to protect your right to benefits.
Customer Identification Number (CID)
When you file an unemployment claim, you will receive a Wage and Potential Benefit Report, which includes your unique Customer Identification Number (CID). Your CID is used to safeguard your identity and is required for updating personal information online, such as changing your address or applying for direct deposit. The CID is not given out over the phone. If you forgot your CID, you can get it by showing your photo ID at a local WorkSource Center.
Personal Identification Number (PIN)
During the UI application process, you will also be asked to create a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will be used for automated systems. It is important to keep your PIN private and not share it with anyone.
You will be held responsible for any ID theft or false information reported with the use of your PIN. No one at the Employment Department has access to your PIN. If you need to change or reset your PIN, you can do so through the Online Claims System or by calling the UI Center.
After you file
Please note that it can take up to four weeks for the Oregon Employment Department (OED) to process regular unemployment insurance claims. You can check the status of your claim by logging into the Online Claim System.
Watch your mail for a letter from the OED that will inform you whether your claim was approved or denied. If you received a denial notice, you can file an appeal.
If your claim was approved, the letter will also indicate how much money you are eligible to receive and provide the next steps. The OED will mail a Wage and Potential Benefit Report when your application is processed. The report includes the wages reported by your base year employers and the UI benefit you may receive if you’re eligible.
Carefully review the wages and employers reported on the Wage and Potential Benefit Report. If wages are missing or incorrect, follow the instructions on the form. If your benefit amount is based on any wages that are not yours, you will be responsible for repaying the money paid to you. You can use the Oregon unemployment calculator to estimate your weekly benefit amount so you know what to expect.
Receiving your benefits
If your initial claim is approved, regular unemployment benefits can be received for up to 26 weeks. Sometimes benefits can be extended, but this is a rare occurrence, and at this time, extended benefits are not available.
Oregon can extend benefits when the unemployment rate is too high, extended benefits are currently not available. Examples of expired extensions include programs like Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA benefits) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation that were available during the COVID pandemic.
Choosing your payment method
You can set up direct deposit after your claim is processed. If you prefer, you can receive funds on a debit card instead. You can change your preference at any time by logging in to the Online Claims System.
When filing for Oregon unemployment benefits, the first payment is typically sent as a paper check about three weeks after filing your initial claim.
To sign up for direct deposit, you’ll need your routing and account numbers, which can be entered through the Online Claim System once your claim has been processed.
You cannot sign up for direct deposit until your claim is processed, which can take up to 4 weeks to verify your account information. During this time, you will receive payments by paper check.
Even if you prefer direct deposit, a debit card will be mailed to you after you apply. Be sure not to throw the card away, even if you sign up for direct deposit, as it will be used if your direct deposit fails for any reason.
You don’t get paid for the first week, which by law is called a “waiting week.” You must continue to file a weekly claim to receive payments. You must also register with WorkSource Oregon and perform 5 work search activities each week.
Provide honest and accurate information when applying
When applying for Oregon unemployment benefits, you must provide honest, accurate information. Oregon unemployment fraud is a serious offense and can result in significant consequences. Providing false or misleading information, such as incorrect income or work history, can lead to disqualification from receiving benefits and potential legal action.
The Oregon Employment Department actively monitors for UI fraud and will investigate any suspicious claims. To ensure a fair and just system for all, it is essential to provide truthful and accurate information when applying for unemployment benefits.
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