How to Qualify For Missouri Unemployment Benefits?
To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own. You also have to actively search for work. This includes visiting your local Missouri Job Center.
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Unemployment benefits in Missouri are available for individuals who have lost employment through no fault of their own. The state’s Division of Employment Security (DES) offers these benefits to help job seekers while they search for work. You must meet certain monetary and non-monetary eligibility requirements to receive these benefits. If you do not meet these requirements, your claim may be denied. You must continue to look for work while receiving benefits and must keep a record of your job-search activities. This record will be reviewed periodically by the DES to make sure you are actively searching for work.
File a Claim for Unemployment in Missouri
To file a claim for unemployment in Missouri, you must have your Social Security number and PIN ready. You will also need your total earnings before deductions and any vacation and holiday pay you have earned. The quickest and easiest way to file a claim is online. You can do this by logging in to your UInteract account or creating an account.
Before filing for unemployment, be aware that you can only receive benefits for a maximum of 20 weeks. You will need to prove that you were laid off due to no fault of your own and that you have sufficient qualifying wages in your base period. If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal within 30 days of the decision.
Missouri Unemployment Requirements
There are some basic requirements that you must meet in order to qualify for unemployment benefits. These include being able to work, available to work, and actively searching for work each week you claim benefits. If possible, you must also file weekly reports and attend job center sessions. If you do not meet these requirements, your benefits will be denied. You can also appeal the decision to disqualify you by filing an appeal with the Missouri Labor and Industrial Relations Commission.
You must have earned at least $2,250 during your base period (in 2021, this is the first four of five completed calendar quarters). Your total wages must equal or exceed 1.5 times the high-quarter earnings. If you were fired for misconduct, quit your job without good cause, or were laid off because of an involuntary reduction in workforce, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits.
You must contact employers to search for work each week that you are receiving unemployment benefits. You must keep a record of the employers that you have contacted and how many hours you worked for each employer. The DES may inspect these records at any time. You must also report to the DES any money that you receive from these employers. You must continue to file a weekly claim for unemployment benefits until your benefit year ends or you find employment.
How Much Does Missouri Pay for Unemployment?
When you’re out of work, it can be tough to make ends meet. But if you file for unemployment, the state may start sending you checks that can help you cover your expenses. However, there are some requirements you’ll need to follow in order to keep getting those checks. You’ll need to meet weekly eligibility requirements, log 3 job search activities, and be available to work.
Missouri’s regular unemployment insurance program pays about $320 per week for 20 weeks, with federal supplemental payments adding up to another $300. These additional payments were made possible by a program approved by Congress, but they expired this month. President Trump has restored the extra unemployment benefits via executive order, and Missouri is now starting to process these payments.
The state has created a calculator that estimates how much you might receive if you qualify for the UI program. You’ll need to enter your Social Security number, PIN, and earnings information for the last two quarters of work. Then, you can use the calculator’s results to estimate your maximum benefit amount. To receive the most accurate results, be sure to include all earnings before deductions. Also, be aware that certain pensions may lower your UI benefits. These include military retirement, union, private employer, and government pensions (including federal, county, or city). You can check with your bank to find out if this is the case.
