How Do I Apply for Unemployment Benefits with the Oregon Employment Department?
Learn how to easily apply for unemployment benefits with the Oregon Employment Department online, by mail, or over the phone.
The Oregon Employment Department is a state agency that operates Oregon's unemployment insurance program, a statewide employment service through a system of public employment offices, technical assistance and certification for child care providers, and statistical research and reporting for job development in the public and private sectors. The agency was founded in 1993 but has roots back to 1913 when the first public employment office was opened in Portland.
To apply for unemployment in Oregon, there are three eligibility requirements:
You must have past earnings that meet certain minimum thresholds
You must be unemployed through no fault of your own (as defined by Oregon law)
You must be available and able to work and actively seeking employment
If you need to apply for unemployment benefits with the Oregon Employment Department, follow the steps as outlined below:
Apply for Unemployment Benefits Online
Go to this website.
Select 'File your new claim.'
Scroll to the bottom and select 'Begin Claim.'
Follow the prompted instructions on the screen, fill out all the information, and submit a claim online.
You will receive a confirmation email once the claim has been submitted.
Once your application has been received, the Oregon Employment Department will send you additional documents to fill out. This will include a Wage and Potential Benefit Report which indicates your potential benefit amount and duration.
Mail Your Unemployment Benefits Claim In
You may also mail your unemployment benefits claim in. Note by choosing this method, it may delay how quickly your claim is processed.
Download this form.
Mail the completed form to Oregon Employment Department • Attn: UI Special Programs Center• PO Box 14518 • Salem, Oregon • 97309
Call Into the Oregon Employment Department to Make a Claim Over the Phone
You can call into the Oregon Employment Department and file a claim for unemployment benefits over the phone. You will need to provide personal information to complete the claim. Additionally, be prepared to have your previous employer's information on hand to provide for the claim. Once the claim is filed, ask the customer service representative to email you a copy of the confirmation.
You can also ask the customer service agent questions about how long the approval will take, a rough estimation of how much compensation you may receive, the next steps, and the process after approval. After you've been approved, you will need to file weekly claims to continue receiving unemployment benefits.
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