Personal Information
Social Security number; full legal name, address, phone, and email; banking information for direct deposit (routing and account number — strongly recommended over a paper check).
Employment History (Last 18 Months)
For each employer in the past 18 months: employer name, address, and phone number; your start date and last day of work; reason for separation (laid off, quit, reduced hours, etc.); your wages (last pay stub or W-2 helpful); supervisor name if known.
Separation Documentation
If laid off: any layoff notice or separation letter from employer. If reduced hours: documentation of hour reduction. If you quit for good cause: documentation supporting your reason (unsafe conditions report, medical documentation, etc.).
Work Search Plan
Most states require you to make a minimum number of job contacts per week. Prepare to track: employer names, dates contacted, method of contact, and position applied for. Keep a weekly log from day one — you may need to report this on weekly certifications.
Apply for Unemployment
Apply through your state's workforce agency online portal. See How to File for Unemployment.