Eligibility Requirements
In order to collect unemployment, you must:
- Have worked in covered employment and earned wages of at least $1,500 in one quarter of the base period and there must be wages in the other quarters of the base period which total at least $750 to establish a minimum claim. A worker’s base period is the 12-month period consisting of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the beginning date of the claim.
- The total wages in the base period must be at least one and one-half times the worker’s high quarter wages. The worker may still be qualified if he or she has wages in at least two quarters of the base period and the total of these wages equal $18,000.
- Be out of work due to no fault of his or her own.
How do I file for unemployment benefits?
Information for Workers
Unemployment Insurance programs provide partial protection for workers against loss of wages during periods of involuntary unemployment. The benefits paid to insured workers bolster the economy of the state during periods of economic recession by helping maintain the level of consumer purchasing power.
http://www.labor.mo.gov/DES/Claims/eligibility_web.asp
Workers should file for benefits as soon as they become unemployed. A delay in filing may result in loss of benefits. A claim for unemployment insurance benefits can be filed via the Internet or by telephone.
Payment of benefits under the regular program is made from a trust fund supported by contributions from private for-profit employers and payments by governmental and nonprofit employers who reimburse in lieu of paying contributions. No part of the contribution is deducted from a worker’s wages.
Eligible claimants may qualify for up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits under Missouri’s regular unemployment benefits program.
he Division of Employment Security investigates improper payments to claimants as well as employer and claimant fraud.
Get Started
When you are directed to report to your nearest career center, you will be required to register for work (complete a work application) with Missouri Career Source. You may complete your application now by going to www.MissouriCareerSource.com.
Wage information and other confidential unemployment insurance information may be requested and utilized for other governmental purposes including, but not limited to, verification of an individual’s eligibility for other governmental programs.
http://www.labor.mo.gov/DES/Claims/
Unemployment Office Contact Information
Phone Numbers
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Benefit Overpayment Questions: |
573-751-0059 |
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Benefit Overpayment Repayment Plan: |
573-751-1855 |
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Employer Benefit Charges: |
573-751-4034 |
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Appeals: |
573-751-3913 |
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Switchboard: |
573-751-3215 |
Claims for Unemployment Benefits
Jefferson City Regional Claims Center: 573-751-9040
Kansas City Regional Claims Center: 816-889-3101
St. Louis Regional Claims Center: 314-340-4950
Springfield Regional Claims Center: 417-895-6851
Outside Local Calling Area: 800-320-2519
File Online Here:
https://www.ui.labor.mo.gov/som/
lisa says
i have tried for over 13 hours to contact someone about my unemployment i am about to be evicted because u guys messed the paper work up so i couldnt appeal because i cant get through and its not a lack of trying . another claim has been filed for some reason but this has a pending issue i havent got anything in the mail, i cant get ahold of you i would like to know what to do now? so please contact me with some sort of info pleas
John D. says
Yesterday was my last day of employment. My former employer offered to pay my medical insurance if I performed some tasks from time-to-time as an independent contractor.
How would this affect my unemployment benefits?
Stephanie says
I currently have an unemployment claim, after I received benefits for a month I found a job so my claim is not inactive…I currently work for a temporary agency but my daycare provider has increased the fees so that they are no longer affordable…if I quit can I resume recieving benefits?
Stephanie says
I currently have an inactive claim form when I was out of work three months ago…my child care expenses have skyrocketed, if I have to quit my job will I lose my benefits?
Stanley R says
I WOULD LIKE WHY i got denied of my unemplyment. I tried to call but nobody said they are not taking calls.
Stanley says
I would like to know why I GOT DENIED I I tried to call but no one would take calls at this time.
bobby says
i have a friend who is planning on moving to nevada from missouri and shes not sure if she can transfer her unemployment until she can find employment here. any info you could give would be great.
Kate says
Why go to Neveda? The unemployment rate there is one of the highest in the country. I used to live there, and if you don’t know anyone to get in into one of the casinos-you’ll be looking for a long time for employment.
Dawn says
bobby, I don’t know about every state however I had a texas unemployment claim and relocated to Missouri and I had continue claiming my texas however never had to do monthly reports. I just had to report I had relocated. I hope that helps
ANTONIO says
I have a question pertaining to re-payment options available for overpayment of unemployment benefits. If I recieved a garnishment notice at my current employer on a balance due of $1000.00(approx), can I call and make arrangments for repayment of $20.00/mo untill tax time(feb/march)? Because your office is the Government & will take my tax return anyway to pay it in full… I just want to pay it in full but would like to have a Christmas for my two children & this would help alot! please contact me asap if possible -thanks for your time
Miralem says
My last work day was 12/03/2010 and I filed for unemployment on 12/05/2010. When I filed claim for this week they asked me how many emloyers I contacted and I fill out only one. Today I received a letter DENIED because I didn’t search enough for job (required 3 employers per week). My question is can I be approved for this week if I contact 3 emloyers
tina says
My unemployment 26 wks ran out 12-14-2010. Since the extension was passed how long will it be before I get a check do you think in missouri.
tina says
My 26 wks ran out 12-14-2010 do you think I will get an extension before christmas since the bill Passed?
Donna says
I’m not unemployed yet but work has slowed down and I am concerned that I could be soon. Can I receive unemployment for the days that I am ask to take off for the lack of work even if it very’s from week to week?
Elaine says
I filed my claim 5 weeks ago there is a pending issue on my attendance I filled out the questioneer form they sent me. I have always called in and brought a doctors note or paper from the emergency room. Can I still get unemployment? Is there a time limit on a pending issue?
crystal says
what number can i call to find out info on a pending issue on my husbands unemployment
Nick says
wow NONE of these numbers work! I can’t get through to anyone, they make it impossible to speak with someone when your claim gets messed up! I have been filing my claim and it has not been credited to my mo-access card, mo-access cant help and I cant get past the stupid automated system. and it pisses me off when the automated recording says “you made an incorrect selection” in a condescending angry voice. what a bunch of jerks!
Lenny says
I am going to be fired for my full time job at the end of next week. I have another 40 hour job that was seasonal and is coming to an end October 15th. Will I be able to collect unemployment if I work until October 15th or do I need to quit the seasonal job at the end of September to be eligible for unemployment?
Amy says
I’m not sure if I’m claiming right.My last day of work was 9/30/11 and I have a return date of 10/17/11.I filed my first week on sun 10/2/11(waiting week)and I’m laid off for 2 weeks…So my question is if I file on sun 10/23/11 and have worked 40 hours but did not get a check on Friday 10/21/11 Do I put that I worked a 40 hour week and made 0$?Cause if I don’t I will not have a check for 10 days
shelby says
I had my unemployment with No problems for 2 1/2 months, but when I had to file for a new claim year, all the sudden all these issues arise and cause me to possibly lose my unemployment. How am I supposed to pay my bills? Why is it so hard to get/keep unemployment? When I had No problems why are they allowing problems now? I put that money in so when times got hard I could file for unemployment and get it with No problems, I have yet to file for unemployment with out a problem, all problems I can’t win. Why is this???
Tracy says
I have a question pertaining to re-payment options available for overpayment of unemployment benefits. I was setup to repay $35/mo but I got layoff and now I have a job and I sent in $35 last month and now I see that you guys are taken over $200 out my check. I cant pay my rent and bills with that much taken out. Is there a way to take out $100 ea. mo. plus my tax refund?
Stephanie says
I received a letter about payment of benefits. So I called Jeff city & told them I never was told if I had them or denied. She said that they sent a letter of Denial over a week ago. I never received it and I asked for a copy and she said I couldn’t get a copy by email or mail. How am I to appeal without one and funny I received all the other information. Who do I contact now?
beth says
after having surgery, my doctor gave me a weight restriction for life, my employer has said there is no jobs i can do there now if i quit can i get unemployment or do i have to be fired to get it
wondell says
I call sunday and when i check my card nothing. I call the othere number and they said its been pending. Calling u pepole and no pick up. Whats is wrong w u people i need help now.
Sharon says
I have a general question. I work in MO. I came in this morning and found out that my employer has changed my compensation from salary plus commission to straight commission. Am I eligible to file? If, I file can I remain on the job with the hope of earning some commission? Or, do I leave, and file for unemployment?? Not sure what the procedure is on this scenerio.