Documents Required for Unemployment Insurance

File online at your state's workforce or labor department website. File within 1 week of losing your job — UI benefits are not retroactive before your filing date.

Personal Information

  • Social Security number
  • Driver's license or state ID
  • Your complete mailing address
  • Phone number and email address

Employment History

  • Your last employer's name, address, and phone number
  • Your last day of work
  • Reason for separation (laid off, hours reduced, fired, etc.)
  • Wages from the last 18 months (W-2s or pay stubs)

Banking

  • Bank account and routing number for direct deposit

Tips

File even if you're not sure you qualify — your state makes the formal eligibility determination. If denied, you have the right to appeal. Most states allow online filing 24/7.