This guide explains how to apply for unemployment in Indiana. Follow step by step instructions that will help you claim benefits through IN state unemployment office.
First and foremost, apply as soon as you lose the job. State unemployment offices generally take 1-3 weeks to process your application, especially for the initial claim. The compensation will be paid from the week you applied and if you delay, you will lose the benefits prior to the week of filing. You won't be allowed to back-date your claims or claim the benefits for prior weeks.
Indiana Unemployment Compensation Eligibility Requirements
There are some basic rules for eligibility. Even if you meet some of these rules partially, you should still apply for unemployment because state offices make a reasonable attempt to process your claim, as long as you provide a good justification.
- You must have lost your job through no fault of your own. That means if you have quit job voluntarily you may not qualify for unemployment insurance. However, there are exceptions - such as working in hazardous or inhuman working conditions etc. to this rule.
- You must be willing and able to work. If you are physically disabled, you do not qualify.
- You must have worked minimum number of weeks specified by the State. Indiana State minimum weeks of covered employment requirement (employer must have paid unemployment taxes on your behalf):
- You must have earned minimum amount of wages specified by State during this period. This amount may change every year. You can get get complete eligibility criteria and the benefits calculator from state website mentioned in the next section. Minimum wages earned during the base period:
Prepare documents required to apply for unemployment in IN
- Your name, address, social security number and other personal details such as telephone number, email address etc.
- Dependents name, date of birth and their social security number.
- Details of your previous employer. For each employer, you need to provide
- Name and address
- Telephone number
- Start and end dates of employment
- If you had out-of-state employment in the past 18 months, you also need to provide the employment details.
- Reason you lost the job – it has to be involuntary to be eligible to receive benefits.
- Your job skills summary
- If you are not an US citizen, keep your alien registration number and work authorization. However if you are on a work visa such as H1-B, immigration experts do not advise claiming unemployment insurance.
Apply for Benefits or Claim Extension
You can submit your application for unemployment compensation online, off-line (by mail or by visiting local employment office) or through telephone. Online application is the quickest and most efficient option which will also be available 24x7, 7 days a week.
Prepare and submit your application online here
If you choose to file over phone, call the unemployment compensation services toll-free number at 1-800-891-6499 (8:00 to 5:00 Monday-Tuesday and 8:00 to 4:30 Wednesday-Friday) to file an Unemployment Compensation Claim.
If you are applying for unemployment extension in Indiana, make sure you check the latest rules. Many states are in the process of revising the rules to extend the benefits beyond the initial period. Also, remember that you need to report unemployment benefits as an income when you file taxes with IRS at the end of the year.
All the major cities in Indiana including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville , South Bend, Hammond, Bloomington, Gary,Carmel, Fishers, Muncie have an unemployment office location to process unemployment claims. You can visit the local office for consultation or to file for unemployment in person
Indiana Unemployment Rate (Trend)
The graph below shows the current and historical unemployment rate in the state
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for unemployment benefits?
To apply for unemployment benefits, go to Uplink CSS, the online system for unemployment insurance claims or if you don't have internet access, go to your nearest full service WorkOne Center as soon as you become unemployed. You will be required to report your last employer's name, mailing address, phone number & dates of employment as well as your address, social security number & phone number.
How much am I entitled to receive in unemployment benefits?
Benefits are based upon total wages earned during your base period. The minimum amount paid per week in Indiana is $50, while the maximum is currently $390. The highest quarter of your base period determines your weekly amount. A claimant would need at least $9,250 in their highest quarter to receive $390 per week.
What is my password?
A password is the 8 to 20 characters (letters or numbers) you created when you entered your application into the Uplink CSS, our online system for filing your claims. If you have forgotten your password, please contact the Help Line at 1-800-891-6499 or your local WorkOne Center. The local center or Help Line can reset the system, so that you can enter a new password.
When will I receive my first payment?
You should receive your first payment within 3 weeks if there are no issues on your claim for benefits. You are not paid benefits for the first week you claim after filing for benefits (the first voucher you submit) because this is your waiting period week.
What are issues, and why are there issues on my claim?
An issue can be associated with your claim if circumstances occur such as being terminated from your last employer or you were eligible for severance or vacation pay at the time of separation. Other issues may occur due to how you answered the questions on your voucher. These issues must be resolved before payments can be released.
Why don't I receive a check for my first voucher?
Indiana law requires a one waiting period week, which means you do not receive a check for the first week of your claim if you meet eligibility requirements.
Why is my claim being reviewed?
Issues associated with your claim will cause a review of your claim and delay payment of benefits.
Why was I told I could draw benefits for a year?
All claims for unemployment benefits are in effect for a 52-week period called a benefit year. However, the maximum number of weeks full benefits are paid is 26, with some claims having fewer weeks. If you are paid all 26 weeks of a claim before the expiration of the benefit year, you will not be eligible to file a new claim until that benefit year ends.
What is my Benefit Year-End (BYE) date?
Your Benefit Year-End (BYE) date is the Saturday that ends the 52nd week after you filed your claim for unemployment benefits. Your local WorkOne Center can provide you with this date. Also, it is located on your monetary determination that was mailed to you after filing your claim.
Received a "Notice of Overpayment" and can't afford to pay all this back at once. Can I make?
Yes, to talk to someone about a repayment agreement, call 317-233-4838 or 317-233-4839.
Next steps
After you have submitted your application, you should actively look out for work because the benefits you receive will not be enough to cover your living expenses. The best thing to do is to take a look at your job skills and determine if you want to improve or learn new skills so that you can use this opportunity to revive your career. There are plenty of online opportunities to earn a living while working from home.
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