This blog post was updated with new information on March 9, 2017.
Q. I filed my initial unemployment insurance claim online. Now what?
- Ensure your contact information is updated and correct. If more information is needed, we will email or call you, depending on the preferred contact method you selected on your application. We will also mail information regarding your claim. Failing to keep your address current can also result in payment delays.
- Report your Waiting Week. This is the first weekly report, and you must report your waiting week to certify your claim. File your waiting week online the first Sunday after you open your claim. If you never report your waiting week, nothing will happen on your claim.
Q. How do I give my side of the story about why I am no longer working?
Once you file your weekly report for your waiting week, we will contact you by phone or email for information regarding your separation. Please note: It can take four to six weeks for a determination to be made during high volume months (November though February). Once a determination is made, it will be mailed to you. If you are allowed benefits, you will be paid the weeks you filed for and were otherwise eligible for. Payment will be issued by debit card or direct deposit. If you have received benefits via direct deposit in the past, you may need to update your banking information. If you are denied, the determination will explain why and how to protest the decision.
Q. What if I miss your phone call or email?
We will always allow you 48 hours to return our call. Be sure to check your voicemail or email at least every 48 hours. Update your contact information at labor.idaho.gov/CC.
Q. What do I do while I am waiting for a determination on my claim?
- File your weekly certification online every week until you are back to full employment. Benefit weeks are from Sunday through Saturday. We recommend filing your weekly report on Sunday. Remember you are filing for the prior week.
- Read the Idaho Labor Unemployment Insurance Claimant Benefit pamphlet that will be mailed to you. It contains information that can protect you from making mistakes during the claim process that could jeopardize your benefits. You are responsible for reading and following all directions.
Q. Can I call you to speed up the decision?
We process claims on a first-come, first-serve basis. You are welcome to call us at (208) 332-8942 if you have questions, but we may not be able to take information regarding your separation.