Transcripts

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How to File a Unemployment Claim in Missouri

>>GRACIA BACKER: Hi, I’m Gracia Backer, and I’m the Division Director of Employment Security.  And I’d like to walk you through the process for filing a new or renewed claim.  Before you start it’s a good idea to get organized.  You should have a pen and paper handy to write down important information and instructions.  In order to file you’ll need to have all of the following information.  Basic information, like your name, birth date, full address, including the Zip Code and County, your Social Security Number, or Alien Registration Number if you are not a United States citizen or a national.  You need your employment history for the last year and a half, including employer’s names and complete mailing addresses, dates you worked there, and your exact last day of employment, regardless if it was full or part-time.  You’ll also need to provide the total amount of holiday pay, sick pay or severance pay you received at the end of your employment.  If you receive a pension from any employer jot down the date you began receiving that pension and the amount you receive each month.  Were you in the military or did you work for the Federal Government?  If you performed active military service during the last 18 months you’ll need a copy of your DD-214 form, which is your record of service and discharge.  If you were a civilian Federal employee you’ll need your SF-8.  This form provides the address of the payroll office from which our Agency can request wage and separation information.  You also may need an SF-50 form, which tells our Agency where your duty station was.

Now that you have all of your documentations and information handy it’s time to file your claim.  There are two ways to file a claim, on the internet or by telephone.  The easiest and most effective way to file a claim for unemployment benefits is by logging onto www.Moclaim.MO.gov, and clicking on the “File a Claim” button.  If you don’t have internet access, you may use a computer free of charge at one of the Missouri Career Centers or at your local library.  Our internet claim filing website is available 12:31 a.m. Sunday through 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Central time.  The internet system is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.  When you finish your claim application on line double check your information to make sure it is correct.  You will receive a confirmation number when you’re finished.  It’s a good idea to keep this for your records. 

The second way to apply for unemployment compensation is by calling the Regional Claims Center in your local area at one of the following numbers.  When you call you’ll be directed to our automated telephone system.  Please listen carefully and follow the prompts you hear during the call.  If you’re filing by telephone please understand that due to the high volume of calls we receive each day there may be an occasional wait time.  We answer the calls in the order in which they were received, so please stay on the line.  During your call our Claims Center representatives will review your claim information with you and let you know when and how you can begin claiming your weekly benefit amounts.  Our phone lines are available to file a first time, which is new or initial claim, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Central time.  The best time to call is Wednesday through Friday.  Automated information is available 24-hours a day. 

Whether filing your claim on line or over the telephone, after you finish filing it you will be mailed a determination letter and informational forms the next day.  The letter will tell you whether you are monetarily eligible for unemployment benefits and how much you can expect to receive each week.  If we have any follow up questions we will contact you at the telephone number you provided.  It is vital that you provide your current telephone number and address in the event we need to contact you.  Please note:  Payment of these benefits could take anywhere from 18 to 22 days. 

Now there are three steps for filing for unemployment.  Number one, file your initial claim and make certain that you file every week.  That’s of utmost importance.  Continue filing every week.  Number two, report to your local Career Center once every four weeks as required by law.  And most importantly, number three, continue to look for work.  The best way to do this last step is to log on to www.Missouricareersource.com, Missouri’s official job matching website, where you can post your resume and look for job openings and employers can look for available workers.  A wealth of information and resources about works or services can be found on worksmartMissouri.  You can also visit www.Missouricareersource.com to find a Career Center near you.  For more information on unemployment insurance benefits visit our website at www.Moclaim.MO.gov.

After you file your initial claim you will receive a very important pamphlet from the Missouri Division of Employment Security.  It’s entitled What You Need To Know About Unemployment Insurance In Missouri.  It’s of vital importance that you read this document thoroughly so that you will know what we need from you and what you can expect from us.

More information and videos are available on our web page, such as appealing a determination regarding your claim, claiming benefits while working part-time, and learning more about your benefit year and eligibility.  Thank you for watching.