Indiana Unemployment Eligibility
Indiana Unemployment Eligibility Calculator
Indiana unemployment benefits offer financial help to people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. To get these benefits, you must meet specific rules set by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. These rules include monetary eligibility requirements, like how much you earned in the past, as well as non-monetary requirements, like your reason for losing your job.
After you start receiving benefits, you also have to meet ongoing requirements such as proving you are able to work and actively looking for work. You can receive up to 26 weeks of unemployment compensation, or longer if there is an unemployment extension due to a high unemployment rate in the state.
How to qualify for Indiana unemployment benefits
Let’s take a closer look at the eligibility requirements for Indiana UI compensation:
- Monetary eligibility requirements
- Non-monetary eligibility requirements
- Ongoing eligibility requirements
Monetary eligibility requirements
To determine if you are financially eligible for Indiana unemployment insurance, the DWD looks at your base period earnings. The base period is the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your initial unemployment claim. It’s divided into four quarters, each lasting three months.
Wages earned during your base period determine both your eligibility for Indiana unemployment insurance and to calculate the benefit amount you could receive.
To qualify for unemployment insurance, you must have earned at least 1.5 times the amount you made in your highest quarter. Additionally, your total earnings during the base period must be at least $4,200, with a minimum of $2,500 earned in the last two quarters of that period.
Non-monetary eligibility requirements
There are several additional qualifications that are not financial in nature.
- You must be a United States citizen or be legally authorized to work in Indiana.
- You must be available to work
- You must be able to work
- You must be actively searching for work
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own
Job Separation
One of the primary qualifications for Indiana unemployment insurance focuses on your job separation – the reason you became unemployed.
Indiana guidelines state that you must be unemployed through no fault of your own. This means you can be denied benefits if you were fired for misconduct or you quit without having good cause.
If you quit or were fired, a claims investigator from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development will review your case. You’ll need to answer fact-finding questions to provide more details about why you’re no longer employed. This information, along with input from your most recent employer will be used to issue a Determination of Eligibility.
Quitting with good cause
If you voluntarily quit your job without a valid work-related reason, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Acceptable reasons for quitting include significant changes to your job terms, safety violations, harassment, or following a spouse who has found new employment.
Disqualifications
Reasons that could disqualify you include:
- Not following your boss’s orders
- Lying on your job application
- Getting convicted and jailed for a major crime
- Intentionally wrecking company property
- Using drugs or alcohol while at work
- Being late or absent without a good reason
- Behaving in a way that puts others at risk
- Coming to work high or drunk
- Taking money to quit or retire willingly
- Deliberately violating company policies
- Failing to meet responsibilities to your employer
- Quitting because you don’t feel like working
If you have questions about the nature of your job separation, call the DWD for assistance or visit a local WorkOne center.
Ongoing eligibility requirements
After you apply for Indiana unemployment insurance and your claim is approved, you must continue to meet ongoing eligibility requirements each week.
- Register with Indiana Career Connect and create a public resume
- Be able to work – You need to be physically and mentally capable of doing your job, without any restrictions that would keep you from working.
- Be available to work – You must be ready to take a job if offered, without any commitments that would stop you from accepting employment
- Be actively searching for work – You must be actively looking for a new job and documenting your job search activities.
To verify this information, you are required to submit a Claim Voucher each week before you can get paid.
During the weekly certification process, you will be asked to report any income earned during the week. You must also report any job offers. Failure to accept a suitable job offer can lead to a loss of benefits. It’s very important to answer each question honestly to avoid committing Indiana unemployment fraud.
Work registration requirement
When you submit your initial unemployment claim, the Indiana DWD automatically creates an Indiana Career Connect account for you.
You have 10 days to sign up for work on Indiana Career Connect and upload your resume. You will be prompted to complete your profile and build your resume. The platform offers a resume builder and a job search feature for Indiana jobs. This way, employers looking for workers can find your resume.
Failure to register with Indiana Career Connect will lead to a denial of unemployment benefits.
Re-employment Services (RESEA)
After collecting Indiana unemployment for 4 weeks, you may be asked to participate in reemployment services, known as RESEA. If requested, you must visit your local WorkOne office and participate in some aptitude tests that can help you find suitable employment.
If you are denied benefits
If you are deemed ineligible by the DWD, you have the right to file an appeal. You can attend a hearing and make your case before an administrative law judge. At the hearing, you should bring evidence and witnesses that support your claim.
Be sure to keep filing your weekly claim voucher during the appeal process. If you win the appeal, you will be paid for all of those weeks. But you won’t get paid if you don’t submit your weekly claim voucher.
I am a substitute teacher. Now that the schools are closed for summer. an I eligible to apply for unemployment in Indiana?
Hi, Afaq — Not usually. If teachers and other school employees expect to return to school at the end of scheduled breaks, they may not qualify for benefits. Some exceptions do apply, so it may be worth trying to talk to someone at your local unemployment office to discuss the details of your situation.
I am graduating college in May, and I currently have a paid internship. I am leaving that job/internship to take a new job, post graduation, but the new job will not start for 6-8 weeks. Am I able to draw unemployment during the time I am unable to work?
Dear Elaine,
Have you worked the job for at least one year? If you were or earned money during your base period, you may be eligible. It sounds like your internship is ending, and you are out of work not by choice.
The “base period” is the earliest 4 of last 5 complete work quarters. For example–if you apply for unemployment in March 2022, the base period would be October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021. Since the last complete calendar quarter was October 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, the base period is the four quarters preceding that one). Most states have exceptions, however, so that you don’t have to go back quite so far to show a work record.
You must have earned at least $2,500 in the last six months of your base period or at least $4,200 in the entire base period to qualify for benefits.
Although it makes no sense in your case, you do need to show Indiana you are actively engaged in finding some type of work.
I would suggest checking with Indiana unemployment office if you do meet the above criteria.
Best,
Jean
I am a paraprofessional with a hourly salary at an elementary school. During the summer break I will not be receiving a pay check and wondering if I could collect unemployment during the summer break?
Jeremy,
Please check with your employer if they pay UI taxes. This is detrimental for you to claim (in case you’re eligible).
While working full time I did seasonal job on my weekends. My seasonal job lasts only 14 weeks. I continued with my full time job and got laid off due to covid from my full time job. My unemployment got rejected just on basis of my seasonal job. Do I not qualify for unemployment from my full time employer where I worked more than 40 hours a week?
Dechan,
You might be able to claim basis your full-time job. A bare condition for claiming UI benefits is you should be out of work totally.
When I applied for unemployment I carefully reported deductible income I received in a lump sum. However I miscalculated the week that I would be eligible to file a voucher. I watched a tutorial where the gentleman explained the “system” would catch the error and the claim would be referred to an investigator. Do I need to notify Unemployment personally or wait for someone to contact me. Thankyou
Steve,
To be on a safer side, please notify them immediately via phone/email.
What happens if my employer tells me that I need to either resign my position and get paid severance for a month or that they’ll fire me if I don’t do that? Am I eligible then?
Peter,
If you’re asked to resign due to involuntary reasons, please consider filing for UI benefits.
I am a 9 month contracted college professor for a state funded Indiana college. This summer, enrollments are low for my 3 month contract, and the courses may be cancelled, leaving me unemployed. Would I qualify for unemployment benefits this summer?
Rebecca,
Contracted workers do not generally qualify since employers’ don’t remit Unemployment Taxes into the system. Your HR department might be able to give you clarity on this front.
If I’m through a staffing agency for 3 years and apply for full time and am let go because of a five year old felony in my background but was honest on my application could I get unemployment?
Pete,
You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office for further details.
Is a furloughed federal employee (working for no pay) eligible for UI?
Jay,
I am not completely sure. Please call the Unemployment Office to find out about your eligibility.
Can you receive unemployment for seasonal layoffs when employer has NOT been designated as a seasonal employer?
Layne,
Seasonally employed do not generally qualify to claim UI benefits due to the nature of work. Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for assistance.
if im fired for calling off because of family emergancies thur out the year can I collect unemployment I been employed for 10 months
Lovie,
You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits if I had to leave my current job of 3 months due to a non compete dispute with my prior employer?
Chris,
UI benefits are extended to those who lose their job due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office in your state before making a decision.
If the company I work for is having to cut hours how many hours can I work to still qualify for unemployment
Carol,
You can claim partial UI benefits for the hours cut. To get more information, I suggest you call the Claims Center of the Unemployment Office in your state.
Can I received unemployment if I had to quit my job to move out of state due to mothers health and well being?
Karina,
You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
I currently work 25 to 30 hours a week and have been working these hours for three years. I’ve learned that my position is being eliminated at the end of June. Since I work part-time hours will I be eligible for any benefits?
Suan,
Post exit, you’re required to fulfill the eligibility requirement which includes the monetary component. Part-time workers are generally not eligible. Please call the Unemployment Office to confirm.
I received a job offer from a hospital for a better position than where I was at, so I gave my two week notice. At the end of my two weeks, I found out that I had to go under a full psych eval at my own expense (which will cost roughly 800$) in order to work the job. My insurance was through my previous employer, so I would have to pay out of pocket, which I cannot do since I don’t have an income. Since I left my last job on my own terms, but was not able to work this new job, would I qualify?
Brandie,
You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
I quit my job to stay home and take care of my mother who is declining health. Can I draw unemployment?
Wanda,
You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
I live in Ohio and until recently worked for a company located in New York. My work assignment was in Florida. The company has since said they do not have any work for me. Which state do I contact regarding unemployment benefits?
Sunny,
Please file with the state where your employment is based.
I had been working for my employer for over a year when they decided to sell the practice. The entity they sold the practice to cannot tell me or my co-workers a job description, rates of pay, benefits, etc. This week we had a “training” session with the new owners and they do not know what the future holds for any of us. They can only say that our current rate of pay will remain the same. However, 3 days later, I have still not been granted access to the pay platform ADP so I cannot confirm my rate of pay. We were originally told that the pay period would begin on 10/9/17 but this past Tuesday we were informed we are now being paid by the new owners. So I have worked a week without even being able to clock in. Can I file unemployment on the former employer if I do not return on Monday?
Kelley,
I am guessing, you should be able to apply. Please call the Unemployment Office to clarify before applying.
I was on my probationary period after being gone from my job (35 hours a week) due to pink eye. When I returned to work, my supervisor told me she reduced my status to part time at 25 hours a week because I was pregnant. I’m a high risk pregnancy and the last 2, my doctor restricted me from work. Well I Got upset and clocked out for lunch and never returned. Am I eligible for anything?
Jay,
Unfortunately, personal reasons such as pregnancy are not considered. Please call the Unemployment Office for details.
I worked 29yrs at a factory, I left to start my own business 3yrs ago and business is very slow, am I elegable for partial benefits, I’m 56 and I can’t do the same work due to medical issues
Self-employed workers are generally not eligible to claim for voluntary reasons or otherwise.
Please call the Unemployment Office.
I am 66 and am retiring on September 1st. I will not be actively seeking employment. Before I go through all the application process, is a retiree eligible for unemployment benefits?
Unemployment Insurance benefits are only extended to those who’re able and available for work.
I’m considering leaving my job due to management refusing to bring someone or themselves in when I was in so much pain I was crying at work. They said I had to find someone or deal with it but when I asked who to contact they said there was no one and I was stuck.
UI benefits are only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons such as “Lay Off”.
My clinic is closing several days a week (currently open 7 days) and the staff’s hours will be cut significantly (likely less than 2030 hours weekly for full time employees).
Are there any resources for us? Does unemployment cover anything like this?
The employees can consider applying for partial unemployment benefits.
You may call the Unemployment Office for specific details.
I am 64 and have been employed with the same company for 29 years . I was informed last week that the company is shutting down our store location and no options for revocation. Will I be eligible for unemployment wages At my age ?
I guess you should be able to as long as you continue looking for employment in the future.
Please call the Unemployment Office to confirm.
Currently I am awaiting a union meeting with my job for reinstatement. I have to prove that my absents were valid and that my points for employment were miscounted. Worse case scenario, I don’t get reinstated, will I be able to file for back payment? Also how long does it take the appeal process to be completed if I have to fight the company for my wages. I’ve been dealing with this for a month!!!
You can only file for UI benefits if the job loss was not your fault. Details on the Appeals process including the turnaround time can be found in the content provided in the link below.
https://www.in.gov/dwd/indiana-unemployment/individuals/file-an-appeal/
If I work in Indiana but live in Kentucky, which state would I file unemployment in?
Please file from the state of your employment.
if I worked in OH for last 5 months can I apply for unemployment in Indiana?
To be eligible, you should have been employed for an year at least.
If you’ve worked before the current job, please apply from the state where you last worked.
I hav worked in Indiana for same employer for 12yrs. 40 or more hrs. per week. but here lately business is slow and I hav been sent home for one to three days per week. I hav vacation time that I’ve not used, so do I apply for unemployment for days sent home or use up my vacation time?
Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for more information.
We do not have any knowledge in this regard.
I started my job 1/25/16 I missed 3 days with dr notes do to strep and the flue and they let me go today for pointing out is their anyway I can draw?
Personal reasons such as health issues are not considered.
Hello I’ve been cut back significant hours at my job for reasons I do not know. Other employees are still working so I know it’s not a company issue. I have not worked in months. I think they’re waiting for me to quit but if I do, I don’t think I can file for unemployment. Can I file for Partial Unemployment and is there an age requirement?
There is no cap on the age as far as I am aware.
Please consider applying for partial benefits. You can be eligible.
I moved to indiana and accepted temp. Work in Nov. I had been working the last three years in Michigan. I was recently let go from my temp. job because of my productivity. The staffing agency does not have any work. Can I apply?
You may not eligible since reasons for termination such as performance does not qualify.
Please check further with the Unemployment Office in your state.
I am starting a job in Indiana as of 2/15/16. My husband is following me so that I can start this new job. I see that my husband can apply for benefits. Which state does he apply in and when does he apply?
If your husband is quitting his job to move with you, he will not qualify. Otherwise, he can file from the state where he was employed previously.
Business I used to work sold. New owner has different plans and team, they don’t need me. Am I eligible in the mean time I find a new job?
Yes, you can as long as your employer paid taxes on your behalf and you were laid off.
I am a truck driver,recently had a heart issue dr has taken me off the road would I qualify for unemployment
Personal reasons such as health are not considered. You will not qualify
Am I qualified for unemployment if I quit my and move out of town to take care of my sick elderly parent
You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
I have worked in a small retail shop for just over 4 years. In those 4 years there have been 5 GMs. One being let go due breaking of quite a few company rules. Now I have this new GM who started 2 months ago. He was worked with this company before but we do have new programs which he refuses to learn. I am the only one still there after 4 years so the GM keeps coming to me for answers on how to do different things or mostly he gives me the work to do it altogether. We have 4 other employees at the store (all new) but none of them have had any training. The new GM keeps saying there is more important things to do. So I have all 5 coming to me with questions, whether I’m at work or not.
The GM told the District Manager that everyone was about 80% finished with their training when in fact it is about 30% with not even starting her training. I have since been diagnosed with anxiety and currently taking meds which is is messing with me. Do I have good grounds to quit my job in Indiana and file for unemployment? Thank you.
This is a fragile situation. Personal reasons such as health are not generally considered. However, there can be exceptions.
Please call the claims center/customer service of the labor dept. in your state for further information.
My husband has been an outside sales rep for 22 years with same company. A new manager started on 7/1 and has given him a 60 day improvement plan. If his sales don’t increase by 50%, he will be let fired. Can you file for unemployment?
If he is fired for performance related issues, he may not qualify as unemployment insurance is only provided to those who lose their job due to involuntary reasons.
I have been employed for 23 yrs at a factory in Indiana. Both of my aged parents live with me and I want to move to Oregon because I have family there that can help me care for them. If I quit my job to move, can I collect unemployment in IN while I look for work in Oregon?
You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.
I am from Michigan. What if I only worked for 10 months in Indiana and my position was eliminated? Can I file for unemployment insurance benefits?
You need to have at least 4 quarters of continuous employment to qualify.
If you have worked before the job you were just laid off from, you can consider applying for UI.
I sold my business. am I illegible for unemployment benefits?
Self employed are generally not eligible to claim UI benefits.
Please check with the labor dept in your state.
I was told by my employer that I would have to resign due to having to complete student teaching. Can I draw unemployment?
Some states encourage schooling full time and pay unemployment compensation while some don’t.
Please check with the labor dept in your state.
On Friday I was told my store was not clean enough but not given a time in which to have it up to the District Managers standards. I was off the week-end and on Monday I was fired. Within 30 minutes of my firing a new General Manager was put in my place. Also, this new manager is exempt from the next REV inspection due to the conditions he walked into; is this legal? The company is not following their regulations according to their handbook. Am I elibible for unemployment benefits.
Please check with the labor dept in your state on the legality of this.
Each state has specific laws.
I am a dental hygienist & have worked in my current office for over 11 years. My boss closes the office for at least 3 weeks out of the year (to vacation) and reduces our work day on Wednesdays by 2.5 hours throughout the summer. I called to see if I could qualify for any unemployment benefits & was told that I would qualify due to the reduction of hours (office being closed.) How do I apply for that since I’m not unemployed (just basically laid off for short periods?) I tried to fill out an unemployment application but didn’t know how to complete it since I am still employed. also, I wonder how far back can I file? Is it just for the current year? Thank you!
Christina Hall
Christine,
I suggest that you speak to the customer service of the labor dept in your state before filing. They will have the right advice for your situation.
I was hired as a tower climber for a company(1 year )outta Missouri and lived in Indiana. I never been to Missouri we worked in Texas,all over the state. I traveled to texas n back from Jan 2014 to march 2014, in which I was layed off due to not enough staff to be in charge of our crew.where n do I file for unemploymeny???can I even??
If you were on rolls on your employer(not contractual or another form of employment),you can be eligible.
Please apply from the state where you were employed.
I work for a medical consulting company that places us in positions. My current assignment is ending at the end of July. If they don’t have another assignment lined up for me, can I apply for unemployment benefits?
Depends. If your position is considered contractual/seasonal,you may not qualify.
If we are outsourced and the other company offers us a job for less than we are making now and we decline can we still get unemployment?
Please note that if you leave the job voluntarily,you will not be eligible.
I am drawing a pension from a previous employer and I will soon be teaching an online course as an adjunct professor. My current full time employer is about to lay me off. Will I be eligible to draw unemployment benefits?
Drawing pension will have a say when you apply for UI benefits.
I was employed in a school system where I traveled 126 miles one way to work. I was told in March that my position was going to be eliminated at the end of the year. I was previously told it was going to full time the next year which is why I was sticking it out. Due to the cost of traveling that distance and living out of a suitcase, it was not financially feasible to continue. I came back home and am working full time as a long term substitute teacher. Am I eligible for unemployment when tis current position ends?
Depends.Voluntary reasons do not qualify. However, looks like you have a valid reason.
Please consider applying at an appropriate time.
On 5/16/14 my daughter turned in a letter of resignation saying 5/28 would be her last day and was told to take the week-end to think about it. On 5/19 she reported to work, her district manager came in and she told her that she would work until 5/28. The district manager told her they accepted her letter of resignation and then released her from her job. Is she eligible for unemployment benefits?
Depends. If the resignation was voluntary,she may not be eligible.
I was working at an employer beginning in January 2012 where I was paid salary for the first four months, then received commissions after that. I am unemployed due to cut backs and apparently this company never filed my compensation with the state of Indiana as they “don’t recognize commission as consideration for unemployment”. I had to file an extension on my taxes and I still haven’t received my W-2 to tell you where they reported my income. The home office is out of state. Is what they are telling me true – so I won’t get unemployment benefits???
Since your issue has multiple angles, the best move you can make is to contact the labor dept in your state.