How to file for unemployment in Alaska

The online claim is usually the fastest way. Here is what to have ready, when your claim starts and what comes after you file.

All about unemployment in Alaska

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Filing, step by step

Apply online through myAlaska (choose "Unemployment Insurance Benefits"), 24 hours a day. You can also call a UI claim center during claim center hours.

When to file and when your claim starts

File a new claim right away if you quit, are fired or laid off, or are working on-call or part time. Claims take effect on Sunday of the week you file or reopen.

What to have ready

  • Your Social Security number
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen: your alien registration number, work permit type, passport number and expiration date
  • Name, mailing address and phone number of your last employer, and your dates of employment
  • Hours and gross wages in the last week you worked, and any holiday, vacation, severance or bonus pay that week
  • Federal workers (last 18 months): SF-8 or SF-50
  • Military (last 18 months): copy 4 of your DD-214
  • Retirement information if you get retirement payments

Certify (claim your weeks)

How often: Weekly. File weekly claims online at my.alaska.gov, or every two weeks by phone through VICTOR, the automated phone system. Report all work and gross wages for each week (Sunday to Saturday) and your work search activities. Keep filing during an appeal.

Register for work

If you are in Alaska and told to register, you must register for work and post a resume online in AlaskaJobs within seven days of filing your new or reopened claim, and keep it active. Outside Alaska, register with that state's workforce agency or your union.

AlaskaJobs

Law: AS 23.20.375, 23.20.378(a)

Official source: Source page

What applies in every state

  • File with the unemployment program of the state where you worked. If you worked in another state or in several states, the agency in the state where you live now can tell you how to file with other states.
  • It generally takes two to three weeks after you file to get your first payment. Some states require a one-week waiting period, so the second week you claim is the first week paid.

Free help

Call 907-269-4700. Legal aid and other free help in Alaska → Official sources →

More questions about unemployment in Alaska

Is there a waiting week in Alaska?

Yes. All new claims have an unpaid waiting week: the first week you are eligible. You must still claim it to get credit.