How to file for unemployment in Missouri

Filing, step by step

File online in UInteract: create a user ID, then choose File Unemployment Claim. You can also file or get claim information by calling a Regional Claims Center at 1-800-320-2519.

When to file and when your claim starts

File as soon as you lose your job or your hours are cut. Your benefit year starts on the Sunday before the day you file your claim.

What to have ready

• Your Social Security number
• Gross earnings for the week, including vacation, holiday or WARN pay
• Name, address and dates worked for every employer in the last 18 months
• Bank routing and account number if you want direct deposit (optional)

Certify (claim your weeks)

How often: Weekly. File a Weekly Request for Payment in UInteract after each week ends, as early as Sunday. Report all gross wages earned that week, even if you will be paid later. Keep filing every week, even while you wait for a decision or an appeal.

Your first payment

If you are eligible, payments usually start within 22 days of filing your claim. Payments go to a Money Network Visa debit card unless you choose direct deposit.

Register for work

You must register for work, and visit jobs.mo.gov at least once a month. If DES tells you to, you must report in person to a Missouri Job Center for reemployment services.

Jobs.mo.gov

Law: RSMo 288.040.1(1)

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 1-800-320-2519. Legal aid and other free help in Missouri → Official sources →