States

How To Apply For Unemployment In Utah

In Utah, unemployment insurance is handled by the Department of Workforce Services. To apply for benefits, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own and willing to take a new job if offered. You also must be physically able to work. If you lost your job due to disability or injury, do not file for unemployment insurance benefits. See more on this below:

• Workforce Services UI Benefits
• File Online for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
• WSUI Claimant Handbook

You can file for unemployment insurance benefits online or by phone. The phone numbers are listed below. If you have internet access and a reliable computer, we recommend the online option. Telephone waiting times can be long and online portal access gives you better options.

• Salt Lake and South Davis County: (801) 526-4400
• Weber and North Davis County: (801) 612-0877
• Utah County: (801) 375-4067
• Other: (888) 848-0688

What You Need to File an Unemployment Insurance Claim

First off, you must meet the work qualifications listed above. In addition to those, you’ll also need to verify your identity with a social security number and Utah State Driver’s License or State ID Card. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need:

• Valid United States Passport
• Alien Registration Card
• Form DD-214 from the Military
• Standard Form 50 or Standard Form 8 (for federal employees)

Once your identity has been established, your next step is to provide documentation of your work history to establish a base period. To be eligible for unemployment in Utah, you must have earned wages in two of the four quarters of your base period, which is the first four of the last five full fiscal quarters. There is also a minimum wage amount required.

Filing Weekly Claims and Work Search Requirement

In order to get paid, you must file weekly claims with Workforce Services. Failure to do so will result in the termination of your claim. You’re also mandated to search for work. If you need assistance with that, the State of Utah offers a Job Resource Center where you can search for jobs and sign up for training programs. On your weekly report, you’ll be asked a number of questions, including those listed below:

• Are you still willing and physically able to work?
• Did you earn any wages this week?
• Did you accept a new position, quit, or get fired from any jobs?
• Did you refuse any job offers this week?
• Did you search for work this week? How often?
• Did you attend school or a job training program?
• Did you travel outside the United States this week?

You can work part-time when you’re collecting unemployment insurance benefits, but your earnings will be deducted from your weekly benefits payment. You cannot refuse work. If you turn down a full-time job offer, your claim will be closed. School and job training do not count towards the work search requirement and you cannot submit a claim form outside the US.

Fraud and Penalties

When filing your initial unemployment insurance claim, make sure you enter all information accurately. Insurance fraud is a crime that can result in denial of benefits, repayment of fraudulent benefits, wage garnishments, criminal prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.