How to file for unemployment in North Dakota

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 North Dakota

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Filing, step by step

File online through UI ICE with a State of North Dakota login, or by phone on the automated system at 701-328-4995. You must verify your identity with ID.me before using the online system.

When to file and when your claim starts

File in the week you become unemployed. Your claim is effective the Sunday of the week you file, and claims cannot be backdated to an earlier week.

What to have ready

  • Your Social Security number
  • Name, address and phone number of every employer you worked for in the last 18 months (or since you last filed)
  • The wage you are willing to accept
  • Your union local name and number, if any
  • Military service: DD-214 member copy 4
  • Federal civilian work: SF-8 and SF-50
  • Your alien identification number, if you are not a U.S. citizen

Certify (claim your weeks)

How often: Weekly. Certify each week online in UI ICE or by phone after the week ends (weeks run Sunday to Saturday). Certify within 13 days of the Saturday of your last certified week (or of the week you filed), by 10 p.m. on the 13th day. Report all gross earnings and your job contacts. If you miss the time limit, you must reopen your claim.

Your first payment

If you are eligible, payment is processed the next business day after you certify (Tuesday if you certify on a weekend) and reaches your Way2Go debit card or bank account within 2 to 3 business days. The debit card is the default; you can choose direct deposit.

Register for work

If you are not going back to the employer that laid you off, or you must make job contacts, post at least one online resume within 10 days of filing or reopening your claim. The resume expires after 90 days, so keep it updated. If you live in another state and do not commute to North Dakota, register with the public employment office in your state.

Job Service North Dakota online resume (ND Workforce Connection)

Law: N.D.C.C. sec. 52-06-01

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 701-328-4995. Legal aid and other free help in North Dakota → Official sources →

More questions about unemployment in North Dakota

Is there a waiting week in North Dakota?

Yes. You serve one waiting week per benefit year and are never paid for it. It is the first week you certify in which you work less than full time, earn less than your weekly benefit amount and meet all the rules.