File for Unemployment in Missouri

You can file for unemployment online using the Missouri Unemployment Insurance Online Claims Filing System or over the phone at a number corresponding to your county of residence. You can find the proper phone number under the Missouri Unemployment Office Contact Information.

Unemployment Application and Initial Claim

File Your Unemployment Application and Initial Claim Process

        When filing online:

1. Go to https://www.ui.labor.mo.gov/som/
2. Click on the phrase “File Claim/Certification (new, renewed, weekly request for payment)
3. Read the terms and click “I Agree” at the bottom of the page.
4. Enter a four-digit number of your choice to use as a PIN
5. Enter your Social Security Number twice
6. Enter your first and last name as written on your Social Security Card
7. Enter your date of birth
8. Enter the date of the last day you worked
9. Click “Continue”
10. Fill out the remaining questions accurately and completely
11. Do not use your browser’s “Back” button until you have completed the application
12. Print or write down your confirmation number

Phone filing is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To file by phone:

1. Call the number assigned to your local calling area
2. Say “File a claim”
3. Say yes when asked to verify
4. Enter your Social Security Number
5. Listen closely and follow the prompts
6. Answer each question accurately and completely
7. Continue answering questions until you hear confirmation that your claim has been submitted
8. Write down your confirmation number

Jefferson City: 573-751-9040

Kansas City: 816-889-3101

St. Louis: 314-340-4950

Springfield: 417-895-6851

Toll Free: 800-320-2519

Documents and Information Needed During Filing

Have the following documents and information ready when filing for unemployment in Missouri:

• Social Security Number
• Birth date
• Mailing address and phone number (if you have one)
• County you live in
• Name and address of your last employer
• Number of days and the gross dollar amount your last employer paid you for vacation time or holiday pay
• If you worked during the week you are filing the claim, you must enter your gross earnings for that week
• If you want to receive your benefits by direct deposit, provide your bank routing number and account number*
• Your PIN number if you have previously filed a claim in Missouri

*If you don’t want to receive funds through direct deposit, you can choose to collect benefits with the Missouri Access MasterCard® debit card.

Learn more about the documents and information needed to file for unemployment in Missouri here: https://www.ui.labor.mo.gov/som/IC_0010.jsp.

                               

Claim Weekly Benefits

In order to continue receiving benefits, you must file a weekly claim in order to receive your payment throughout your benefit period. You can either verify that your situation has remained the same, or update your information according to any changes in your circumstance.

How to Claim Weekly Benefits

On average, it can take from 18 to 22 days to receive your first benefit payment. Once you receive the initial payment, you should continue to receive benefit payments for each week of your benefit period, up to 20 weeks, as long as you file your claim by 5 p.m. on Friday of each week.

To file your weekly claim, log into your online account or call the Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Claims Information number for your local area. Follow the prompts to verify your information has remained the same or make any necessary changes.

Claim Denials or Discrepancies

Your claim can be denied for a number of reasons, including failing to meet any of the eligibility criteria, reporting inaccurate information, or not reporting changes in work or wages. If you have reached your maximum 20-week term for the year, you will not be eligible to receive unemployment benefits until the calendar year is over. You have the right to appeal a denied claim or the amount of benefits granted in a claim.

Appeals Process for Denied Claims

To appeal a denied claim, you have 30 days from the date of the denial to mail or fax your appeal request to the DES. The last date you can file an appeal will be shown on your determination. You cannot file an appeal online or over the phone. Your appeal request is filed on either the date stamped by the US Postal Service, or the date all papers are hand delivered to the unemployment office.

You must fill out and submit the Claimant Request for Appeal of Unemployment Insurance Determination form. The information you will need to provide on the form includes:

o   Your name and Social Security Number

o   Employer’s name

o   Date, issue number, and reason for the determination against you

o   Your reasons for appealing the determination, briefly

o   Your signature

Your appeal will be heard by a DES Appeals Tribunal. A notice of the hearing date will be mailed at least seven days before the hearing date. You must attend the hearing, which will be held over the phone. If you don’t have a phone to use, you can use one at a Missouri Job Center. Make sure you submit any evidence or information that may affect the outcome by fax or mail. The information must be received before the hearing or it will not be included in the determination. If there is an opposing party, you must mail or fax a copy of your evidence to them as well.

You can request a hearing to be held in person at one of four hearing locations (Kansas City, Jefferson City, Springfield, or St. Louis). You should bring any evidence you have to support your claim to the physical hearing. You should not bring young or disruptive children to your hearing.

You may bring representation, but it is not required. At the hearing, you can present evidence to back up your case, including documents, witnesses, and other relevant information. You can subpoena documents or witnesses who don’t cooperate voluntarily. If you need to file a subpoena, you must do it immediately after receiving the hearing notice. Submit a written request for subpoena and include the following information:

• Your Social Security Number and Appeal number
• Your name
• Witnesses names or a list of documents
• Address where the subpoena should be delivered (to you)
• Information about what the witness’ testimony or documents will prove
• Verification that you have asked for testimony or documents and were refused

Mail or fax your subpoena request to the address in the lower left corner of your hearing notice. Deliver the subpoena(s) in person as soon as possible.

After the hearing, the Appeals Tribunal referee will make a decision. If you are denied your appeal, you can file a second appeal with the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission within 30 days of the referee’s ruling.

    Office of Appeals Contact Information

        Some determinations include specific addresses or fax numbers where you can send your appeal. If the address on your determination differs from the one below, send your appeal to the given address. Unless you are given a different address, send your appeal and evidence to:

Division of Employment Security

Appeals Tribunal

P.O. Box 59

Jefferson City, MO 65104-0059

Fax: 573-751-1321

For questions only, contact:

Division of Employment Security

P.O. Box 59

Jefferson City, MO 65104-0059

Phone: 573-751-3215

Fax: 573-751-9730

Email: appealstribunal@labor.mo.gov

To request confidential information, call: 573-526-4464