File for Unemployment in Utah

All initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits in Utah must be filed through the DWS online website. Subsequent weekly claims can be filed by phone. If you need assistance filing, or do not have access to a computer or internet, visit any local DWS Employment Center.

Unemployment Application and Initial Claim

File Your Unemployment Application and Initial Claim Process

When you file for unemployment insurance in Utah, you will create a new claim and an online profile at the DWS website. During this process, you will create a username, a password, and a PIN for easy account access.

Once you've created your profile, you will file your claim by following this simple process:

• Fill out your personal information, including your name and address
• Add your employment information, including why you were let go
• Input your eligibility information, such as how much money you made and how long you worked for each employer
• Read the unemployment instructions to make sure you understand how to keep your claim active
• Register for work (will be discussed below)

If you like, you can file your claim by telephone by calling the appropriate center between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call center numbers vary based on your county, and include:

• Salt Lake County: (801) 526-4400
• Utah County: (801) 375-4067
• Weber and North Davis Counties: (801) 612-0877
• Balance of state or out of state, Toll Free: 1-888-848-0688

Documents and Information Needed During Filing

You will need the following documents and information ready when filing for unemployment in Utah:

• Social security number
• Driver's license or state-issued identification card number
• Alien registration number and card (if not a citizen, but still qualified to work in the US )
• Business names, addresses, and phone numbers of all your employers over the last two years
• Start and end dates for all those employers
• Total wages earned from each employer
• Reasons you are no longer employed
• Proof of federal employment  
• DD-214, Member 4, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty paperwork if you served active military duty for at least one day in the last two years

Claim Weekly Benefits

To remain eligible to collect unemployment insurance benefits, you must login to your DWS account to file a weekly claim. This process shows DWS that you remain fully or partially unemployed, and are seeking reemployment.  

Failure to accurately report part-time wages can result not only in a cancellation of your benefits, but in overpayment, and even felony fraud charges.

If DWS concludes they have overpaid you, you are liable to pay them back the full amount. It is very important to make accurate and precise weekly claims to avoid problems in the future.

How to Claim Weekly Benefits

When you file your weekly claims, you are claiming the week before from Sunday 12:01 a.m. to Saturday at 11:59 p.m., MT.

Claiming weekly benefits requires following a simple process:

• File your weekly claim on Sunday, or as soon as possible after the Saturday of the previous week
• Sign into your DWS account and click on “File Weekly Claim”
• Enter your PIN (the number you created when filing your initial claim for unemployment insurance benefits)
• Answer questions regarding your weekly benefits, including:
• During the week, did you work or attend paid training?
• How much did you earn before deductions?
• During the week, did you quit a job or were you fired from a job?
• Did you refuse any offers of work or fail to apply for work during the week?
• Did you attend school or unpaid training during the week?
• Were you able and available for full-time work without any restrictions?
• Did you travel outside the United States during the week?
• Did you contact employers for work as you were instructed by the Department?
• Have you received your Claimant Guide?
• Double-check all of your answers to ensure accuracy
• Submitting your claim

This process should take no more than 10 to 30 minutes.  

Claim Denials or Discrepancies

A denied unemployment insurance claim will not prevent you from collecting benefits in the future. You have the right to appeal if you disagree with a decision made on your claim. The most common reasons for denial include wages earned, hours worked, and reason for dismissal.

When you file an appeal, a hearing will be scheduled with an Administrative Law Judge. Make sure you continue to file for benefits each week during the appeal process. Otherwise, you may not be paid for the weeks you are unemployed, even if the appeal is decided in your favor.

All unemployment insurance claim denials can be appealed to the Appeal Unit at the main DWS office. Contact information for this office is provided on your unemployment determination letter. The Unemployment Insurance appeals process does not require that you have legal representation. Most individuals represent themselves. During the hearing, all parties are assisted in presenting their case by the Administrative Law Judge.

File your appeal online at  jobs.utah.gov/appeals.  

Appeals Process for Denied Claims

After you file an appeal, you will receive a notice of hearing along with the information and documents used in making the original decision. Upon receiving the notice of hearing, you will be required to immediately contact the Appeals Unit to verify your participation in the hearing and to provide a telephone number where you can be reached at the time of the hearing.

Failure to contact the Appeals Unit prior to the hearing, as instructed in the hearing notice, will result in the cancellation of your hearing. Please read the notice carefully. The hearing notice will contain important information on how to prepare for the hearing, including how to present evidence, documents, and witnesses in support of your appeal.

While you are waiting for your appeal hearing, continue to file weekly to ensure you receive benefits should your appeal be successful. On the day of your hearing, you will meet with an Administrative Law Judge who will preside over the case.

Note that an appeal may also occur if you receive benefits and your employer believes you shouldn't, due to discrepancies in your claim. You will receive a notice in the mail regarding this hearing, but the process is otherwise the same.

A decision will be mailed to you no later than a week after the hearing. All payments denied to you will be paid if you win. If you lose, you can appeal to the Board of Review, state courts, and even federal courts.

Office of Appeals Contact Information

Appeals Unit

P.O. Box 45244

Salt Lake City, UT 84145-0244

FAX: 801-526-9242