This guide explains how to apply for unemployment in Mississippi. Follow step by step instructions that will help you claim benefits through MS 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.
Mississippi 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. Mississippi 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 MS
- 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 601-855-3133 or 1-888-844-3577 to file an Unemployment Compensation Claim
If you are applying for unemployment extension in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Meridian, Tupelo, Greenville, and Olive Branch have an unemployment office location to process unemployment claims. You can visit the local office for consultation or to file for unemployment in person
Mississippi Unemployment Rate (Trend)
The graph below shows the current and historical unemployment rate in the state
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Unemployment Insurance?
Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a program designed to ease the economic burden of unemployment by providing a temporary source of income for individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own.
Who pays the unemployment tax?
In Mississippi, employers pay all of the unemployment tax.
When should I file my claim for benefits?
You should file your claim as soon as you become unemployed.
What if I worked in more than one state? Can I file a claim against another state if I live in Mississippi?
If you worked in more than one state you may be eligible for a Combined Wage Claim. The base period wages from all states in which you worked are combined and you may be able to establish a combined wage claim under the law of a single state to qualify for benefits. An unemployment claims representative can explain the options and procedures for filing a Combined Wage Claim if you think you might qualify.
What is a benefit year?
The benefit year is 52 consecutive weeks. It begins on the Sunday of the week in which your application for benefits is filed. If monetary eligibility requirements are met, your claim will remain in effect for one year. (Note: This does not mean you will receive benefits for a full year).
How is the weekly benefit amount calculated?
A formula is used to calculate the amount of benefits based upon wages paid to you during the base period. Additionally, in order to be eligible one must have:
1. Worked and received wages in at least two quarters of your base period
2. Earned at least $780.00 in the highest quarter of the base period
3. Earned forty (40) times your weekly benefit amount in your base period
What is the maximum weekly benefit amount?
In Mississippi the maximum is $235.00 and the minimum is $30.00.
What is a base period?
The base period is defined as the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters immediately preceding your initial claim for benefits. Benefits are based on your earnings during this period of time.
What if I worked for an employer during the base period and the wages are not shown on my claim?
Once you file a claim for benefits, you will receive a Monetary Determination. The Monetary Determination shows the wages reported by your employer(s) during each quarter of your base period. Study the notice carefully. Be sure that it includes all wages paid during the quarters shown. If you believe that some wages you earned are not shown, you should contact your local claims center and file a request for re-determination.
Privacy Act Statement
The Privacy Act of 1974 requires that you be furnished this statement because you are being asked to furnish your Social Security account number for claims purposes. Your Social Security number is solicited under the authority of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [26 U.S.C. 85, 6011(a), 6050B, and 6109(a)]. Disclosure of your Social Security number for this purpose is mandatory, and must be entered on all state, interstate, and Federal UI claim forms.
Unemployment Insurance Statement
In Mississippi, the EMPLOYER pays the cost of Unemployment Insurance. The worker pays no part of it. Unemployment Insurance is not Old Age Insurance, Welfare, Relief, Sick or Disability Insurance, or Vacation Pay. Unemployment Insurance is a program designed to provide income to those unemployed due to no fault of their own.
Fraudulent Claim
Anyone making a false statement or withholding facts to increase or obtain benefits to which he is not entitled is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both.
Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)
Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) is a provision under the Trade Act of 1974, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. This program provides for compensation and/or training to persons unemployed or underemployed due to increased activity of foreign imports. Recipients of TRA benefits may be required to participate in training. If you feel you may be eligible for benefits and services offered by the TRADE ACT OF 1974, you may obtain a petition from the nearest WIN Job Center.
Child Support Obligations
Mississippi Employment Security Law requires that Child Support Obligations be deducted from your unemployment benefits if so directed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS). You will be notified by this Agency if Child Support will be deducted from your weekly benefits. If you have questions about the MDHS court order or the amount of child support owed, you should contact your local child support office.
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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