States

How To Apply For Unemployment In Missouri

The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations allows for both online filing and filing by phone if you need to open an unemployment insurance claim. The online claim filing system can be accessed from your home computer, laptop, or mobile device. Phone numbers for filing by phone are listed below. Here are some helpful links:

• Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
• Open an Unemployment Insurance Claim Online
• Frequently Asked Questions

You may be denied unemployment benefits if you voluntarily quit your job, have been fired for disciplinary reasons, or refuse work while collecting weekly UI benefits payments.

Calculating the Amount of Your Weekly Benefits Payment

Eligibility and the amount of your weekly UI benefits payment is determined by calculating the wages you earned in a “base period” of the first four of the last five quarters you received wages. These wages must have been paid to you from an employer paying into the unemployment insurance fund. In at least one of the quarters, you must have earned a minimum of $1500.

Your total base period wages must be at least one- and one-half times your highest quarter. If you earned $1500 in your highest quarter, your total base period wages must be $2250. Your weekly payment amount will be 4% of the average of your two highest quarters. You’ll start receiving that amount after a mandatory one week “waiting period.”

The state maximum weekly UI benefits payment is $320 per week. If you’d like to calculate your weekly benefit amount, use the Online Benefits Calculator on the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations website. For appeal inquiries, call (573) 751-3913.

Submitting a Weekly Request for Payments

Once your claim has been approved, you must file a request for payment each week if you want to continue receiving benefits. You’ll need to have your social security number and pin available to file online. You can also file initial or weekly claims using the following numbers:

• Toll Free: (800) 320-2519
• Jefferson City: (573) 751-9040
• Kansas City: (816) 889-3101
• Springfield: (417) 895-6851
• St Louis: (314) 340-4950

If you’ve been denied unemployment insurance benefits, you have the right to file an appeal with the appeals tribunal. Email [email protected].

Office of Workforce Development

When you file your weekly claim, you will be asked to present proof of work search. Missouri State guidelines require that you apply or inquire on at least three (3) employment opportunities each week when you’re collecting unemployment insurance benefits payments. You can do this on your own or register with the Office of Workforce Development approved Missouri Job Centers. You can find one nearby by going to the Career Centers page.

If you’ve lost your job due to foreign competition, you may be eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) from the federal government. In certain circumstances, the training offered through TAA may exempt you from the work search requirement. You may also be able to receive Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA). These are an extension of your UI benefits payments provided by the federal government after your regular benefits period ends.