Filing an Unemployment Claim – Idaho

Please select a topic below:

1. Am I eligible to receive benefits?

You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must have earned sufficient wages in your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the start date of your claim, or alternatively the last 4 quarters). Also, you must be able and available for full-time work.

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2. How do I apply for benefits in Idaho?

You can apply online at the Claimant Portal or in person at your nearest local Idaho Department of Labor office.

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3. How much will I receive?

The amount you receive for unemployment is based up your base period earnings. The maximum amount you may receive per week on unemployment is determined by taking the highest quarterly amount from your base period and dividing that amount by 26. The current range for unemployment weekly benefits runs from $72 per week minimum to $405 per week maximum.

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4. How long will I receive these benefits for?

The length of time that you will receive benefits is also based on how much you made during the base period, but not less than 10 weeks and not more than 26 weeks.

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5. After I start receiving benefits, what do I have to do to remain eligible?

You must continue to file weekly on the Claimant Portal. Also, you must continue to be able and available for full-time work. You must actively seek employment, while keeping a record of your work search activities using the work search log. You are required to contact two employers each week. You must register for work at idahoworks.gov. Finally, you must accept suitable work.

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6. I was turned down for benefits. How do I appeal this decision?

You must appeal within 14 calendar days from the date the decision was mailed to you. Your appeal must be in writing and signed, and it may be submitted by mail or in person. Also, you must keep filing your weekly claims regularly because you will only be paid for weeks you filed if you win your appeal.

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7. For more information on Idaho’s unemployment insurance laws: