How Do I Claim Unemployment Benefits with the Idaho Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance?

So, you're either completely unemployed or partially employed with a severe reduction in hours. This guide will walk you through the claim process in Idaho. Read on for what information you need to provide and how to file your claim.

Required Information

1. Social security number and driver's license number
2. Alien registration number and card if you're not a U.S. citizen
3. You need DD-214 Member 4 is needed if you were active military in the last 2 years.
4. Your employment history spanning the last 2 years, including names, complete addresses and phone numbers, start and end dates, total gross earnings for each employer, and reason you're no longer working.
5. County of residence if you lived outside the state of Idaho
6. You also need to apply for benefits the week you are seeking payment

Applying Online

1. The only way is to apply online at labor.idaho.gov/claimantportal either from home or your nearest Idaho Department of Labor office.
2. If you already have a profile set up, then you will need to verify your identity first by updating the needed information. If you forgot your password, there is the Forgot Password link to help you get back into your account.
3. Claimants who set up new profiles need to click on the verification email before they are allowed to log into the portal for the first time.
4. Once you sign into your account, go to the Apply for Benefits option, which should be on the left side of the page.
5. You should see a blue button marked File Claim Application, clicking on it will lead you to a Getting Started section designed to answer all or most of your questions about applying.
6. If you click next, you'll see information on how to prevent fraud. It's recommended you read this section before clicking next.
7. The next steps will ask you about your citizenship status, if you've filed in other states, your military status, if you worked for the railroad and then your eligibility. After these sections, your work status and employment history.
8. If you run into any issues, then it's advised you take a break and review some of the user guides that are provided on the log in screen. These are PDF files that you can save anywhere or print out. You can also contact the Idaho Department of Labor here anytime 24/7.

Some Tips

1. The system does require you enter your name exactly as it appears on your driver's license. No nicknames nor abbreviations are allowed.
2. The system checks your entries against what the DMV has on file for you. If you've updated your profile with the most accurate information, and are still having trouble, then the DMV might have the wrong information about you on file and you would need to contact them first. Then return to the portal to update your profile before clicking submit. However, if the DMV has the correct information about you and you are still unable to verify your identity, then contact a Claims Specialist with the Idaho Department of Labor.
3. Your responses are saved as you advance through the application, and when you next log in you will see an option to continue your saved application.