Are you wondering about how to apply for Oregon Unemployment Insurance or if you qualify for benefits? Do you have questions about filing weekly claims or the amount of benefits you can receive? Here we answer some common questions about Oregon unemployment insurance to help you navigate the claims process.
How much is unemployment in Oregon?
The minimum WBA in Oregon is $183, and the maximum is $783.
The method to calculate Oregon unemployment benefits is based on the highest-earning quarter of the base period. This quarter is used to determine your weekly benefit amount (WBA), which is 1.25% of the total earnings in that quarter. A
You can receive Oregon unemployment compensation for up to 26 weeks throughout your benefit year.
How to file unemployment in Oregon?
You can apply for unemployment benefits online or over the phone. Applying online through the Online Claim System is the fastest way to apply for regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. The online form is easy to fill out, but make sure you enter all your information correctly. A small mistake, like a wrong Social Security Number (SSN) or address, can delay your payment for days or weeks.
If you prefer, you can apply over the phone by calling 1-877-File-4-UI (1-877-345-3484). However, be prepared for a long wait on hold, especially if you call on a Monday.
Learn how to apply for Oregon unemployment insurance.
How to qualify for unemployment in Oregon?
To qualify for UI benefits, you must meet Oregon unemployment eligibility requirements.
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Oregon, you must have earned at least $1,000 in wages during your base year, which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. Your total base year wages must be at least one and a half times the amount earned in the highest quarter of the base year.
However, if you did not earn $1,000 during the base year, you may still be eligible if you worked a minimum of 500 hours during the base year and received wages during that time.
You must also be unemployed through no fault of your own, and be physically able, available, and actively seeking work. Additionally, you must file a weekly claim for benefits and report any earnings or job offers received during the week you are claiming. You may be required to attend additional OED interviews, job fairs, and workshops.
How to call the Oregon unemployment office?
The Oregon Employment Department provides various phone numbers to help claimants with different issues related to unemployment benefits.
See a full list of Oregon unemployment phone numbers.
Where are Oregon unemployment job centers located?
Oregon’s WorkSource job centers are located across the state, offering job seekers and UI claimants access to a variety of resources and services. Some of the services available at these centers include job search assistance, career counseling, skills assessments, training programs, and workshops.
View Oregon unemployment office locations and contact information.
Is Oregon unemployment taxable?
Yes, Oregon unemployment benefits are taxable income and must be reported on your federal and state income tax returns. A 1099G form tax form will be mailed to you at the end of the calendar year.
You have the option to have taxes withheld from your benefit payments by submitting a W-4V form. You can have up to 10% of your weekly benefit amount withheld for federal income taxes and up to 6% for Oregon state income taxes. You can also choose to make estimated tax payments throughout the year to avoid a large tax bill when you file your return.
Who pays for unemployment in Oregon?
Employers pay for unemployment insurance in Oregon through payroll taxes. The taxes are paid into a fund that is used to provide benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. The Oregon Employment Department (OED) manages the unemployment insurance program and administers the distribution of benefits.
What disqualifies you from unemployment in Oregon?
In Oregon, there are several reasons why you could be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. Some of the most common reasons include quitting your job without good cause, being fired from your job for misconduct or violating company policy, refusing a suitable job offer, failing to meet the Oregon unemployment work search requirements, and not being able and available to work due to illness or disability.
Other reasons that can affect your unemployment eligibility include failing to report earnings, committing Oregon unemployment fraud, or receiving pension or retirement pay that exceeds the weekly benefit amount.
How does short term disability work in Oregon?
Oregon does offer short term disability benefits, but only for public employees that work for the Oregon government.
If you qualify, short-term disability insurance in Oregon covers 60% of your insured earnings, which are determined based on your weekly earnings on your last day of work. The maximum insured earnings for short-term disability insurance is $2,769, while the maximum weekly benefit is $1,662 before any reduction of deductible income. The minimum weekly benefit is $25 per week. Short term disability benefits last 4 weeks if the disability is caused by a pre-existing condition, or 13 weeks if the disability is not caused by a pre-existing condition.
Can I file an extension if I still have no work?
Currently, an Oregon unemployment extension is not available. Oregon only offers unemployment benefit extensions under certain circumstances. The availability of extensions depends on the current state of the economy and the unemployment rate.
During times of high unemployment, the federal government may provide funding for extended benefits programs, which provide additional weeks of unemployment benefits beyond the standard 26 weeks. Oregon also has a program called Extended Benefits (EB) that may provide up to 20 additional weeks of benefits when certain conditions are met.
During the COVID pandemic, a variety of UI extensions were available but those programs are all expired.
What if my application for Oregon UI benefits is denied?
If your Oregon unemployment application is denied, you have the option to file an appeal and protest the decision. You must file an appeal within 20 calendar days of the mailing date on the determination notice. The appeal can be filed online or by mail. The appeals process involves a hearing where you present evidence to an administrative law judge
What is the “waiting week”?
The first week of your claim, during which you meet all the eligibility rules is referred to as the waiting week. Payments will not be given for this week. It is mandatory that every unemployment account has at least one waiting week before benefit payments are provided.
Does retirement pay affect my benefits?
Receiving retirement pay may affect your benefits. In some cases your benefits may be reduced by a certain percentage, in other cases it may not affect the benefit amounts in any way. If you are receiving retirement pay during their benefit year, it is mandatory to report it on your initial claim application. However, retirement pay does not need to be reported as earnings on your weekly claim.
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