Montana Unemployment Benefit Questions

Why haven’t I received my benefits yet?

Here are some of the reasons for withheld benefits –

  • Failed to return any paperwork timely.
  • Failed to timely request your bi-weekly payments.
  • Your claim closed because you did not file for two weeks in a row.
  • You reported excessive earnings or hours for two or more weeks in a row.
  • You have issues pending a determination by the Unemployment Insurance Division. Remember, you must continue to file while waiting for a decision.

Can I get benefits after I’ve been disqualified?

Yes, you can go ahead and file an appeal if termed ineligible. There are two ways to overcome a disqualification –

  1. You can follow your appeal rights.
  2. You can requalify as described in your determination. If you have questions, call the Claims Processing Center.

My employer thinks I should get benefits, why am I not eligible?

Employers do not determine eligibility. The Unemployment Insurance Division reviews information provided by both you and your employer to determine if your separation meets eligibility requirements based on Montana law and rule.

Can anyone obtain information about my claim or file for my benefits?

No, unless you have given written authority to allow another person to obtain information on your claim. You are the only one who will have access to your claim information and you are the only one who can file for your benefits.
NOTE: Allowing another person to have access to your PIN and file benefits for you is considered fraud and may have legal consequences.

  1. My full time contract for over 3 years finished today. I also receive social security benefits. Can I claim unemployment benefits. I plan to find employment again if possible.

    • Diane,

      As much as I am aware, UI is a one-time affair. Please call the Unemployment Office to understand if they can offer you additional monetary assistance.

  2. I work for a school based health clinic and do not work when the school is closed ie; June, July, August, (closed for Summer) would I be eligible for unemployment benefits for this period of time. I will return to the same position when school resumes.

    • Mary,

      Seasonal employment does not qualify due to the nature of work. Please clarify by calling the Unemployment Office in your state.

  3. I moved back home to Hawaii from Oregon to care for my bedridden mom…Can I still collect unemployment benefits?

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  4. When I first started my present job in September, I was getting 30 hours a week, now I rarely get 20 a week. Can I file for benefits? I previously worked in health care for 26 years but had to quit that due to degenerative disc disease in lower back, if I get approved for surgery, can I file for benefits?

    • Sara,

      Since its a lump sum, you can apply for UI benefits right away. Please make sure to declare the Severance pay when asked.

    • Oscar,

      Temp. positions do not generally qualify. Please inquire with your employer if they paid Unemployment Taxes into the system.

  5. I became unemployed due to needing total knee replacement in both knees. The most recent job, and the one I had to leave for surgery, was a part time job in Montana and I was only employed for 6 months. Previously I worked for over 12 years straight full time in another state.
    I plan to go back to work within 5 months after my second knee surgery. Am I eligible for any UI Benifits?

    • Jan,

      I hope you get well soon. You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  6. My employer is facing cuts in hours. My hours will be reduced from 40 hours per week to 35 hours per week. Would i qualify for unemployment benefits with this reduction?

  7. I’ve been out of work on short term disability since Oct. My boss was told in the beginning he could hire a temp. He has not. Then this week he posted on the website he is hiring for a full time position. Which is my position. Would I be eligible for unemployment?

    • You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

      If the disability was work-related, please explore the benefits under Workers Comp. scheme.

  8. Can you please explain how/if a person may qualify for unemployment benefits if they are job attached as a seasonal worker?

  9. I will be quitting my job to move back to the western part of the state with my partner. We have a place back there and he will have a job. We are having to move back there because his job has come to an end in eastern Montana and we can no longer afford to live here. Will I be able to draw unemployment until I can find something there? I have worked for them for 6 years.

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

    • Unfortunately, personal reasons such as health are not considered.

      Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office in your state.

    • The first claim will take anywhere between 7-10 days to be processed.

      If you do not hear during this period, please call the Claims Center on the phone numbers provided for an update.

  10. My position was placed on Admin while an investigation was being completed within the department. No wrong doings on my part were found, but now I am being targeted because of the honesty I expressed. I feel I am being pushed to resign causing stress and anxiety for me and my family. If I resign, will I be able to collect unemployment until I find another job? Thank you.

    • Yes, you can be eligible if you leave due to hostile work conditions.

      Be ready to provide supporting documents if your employer disputes the claim after you apply.

  11. I am 63 and my company just downsized. I am eligible for unemployment but was considering also taking for early retirement. I asked Social Security and they said they don’t care but was wondering what State of Montana says. Everything I’ve read on the internet says that there are only 4 states where Social Security effects Unemployment and Montana isn’t one of them. Just want to make sure.

    • Most of the states do not support provision both these benefits in unison.

      The best thing you can do is to call the claims center on the phone numbers provided for accurate information.

  12. my job had a major sewer problem so they were closed down for 2 weeks. It’s my only means of income can I claim unemployment for those 2 weeks

    • Please check with the labor authorities in your state.

      Not sure if you can be eligible for scheduled time off from work.

  13. I am a seasonal employee with the US Forestry Service. I was laid off on Oct. 15th. I will begin that job again in June of 2016. I am currently working at another job at a trading post but it makes $3.00 less an hour and I am not full time. Do I qualify for unemployment?

    • Seasonal employment does not qualify due to its obvious nature of work.

      Please check with the labor authorities in your state.

  14. I was laid off my job due to them not having enough work. I worked there for at least 5 1/2 months do I qualify for unemployment?

    • You must have had at least 4 quarters of employment to qualify. If you worked before your current job, please consider applying for UI benefits.

  15. After my job cut my hours and changed my job title without being informed and I also consulting HR( there practices with clients were less than safe),I resigned my job and I am now volunteering as a teacher at a refugee school in Thailand for 10 months. Afterward, I will be returning to BILLINGS, MONTANA.

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