banner
Max. Weekly Benefit Amount
$712
Max. Weeks of Benefits
26
Current Jobless Rate
2.1%
Max Weekly Benefit Amount
$712
Max Weeks of benefits
26
Current Jobless rate
2.1%

Updated : March 24th, 2023

Utah Unemployment Benefits

Utah Unemployment Benefits

The Utah Unemployment Insurance benefit program is a vital safety net for residents who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This program provides temporary financial assistance to eligible individuals who are currently unemployed and actively seeking work.

The program is managed by the Utah Department of Workforce Services, which oversees the distribution of unemployment benefits to qualifying applicants. These benefits are funded through taxes paid by the employer, and they are designed to help alleviate the financial burden of job loss while the worker looks for new employment opportunities.

Utah UI Benefits Calculator

The Utah Unemployment Benefits Calculator helps you estimate your UI weekly benefits amount.

UI Benefits Calculator
Calculate Your Utah Unemployment Benefits

See our California unemployment calculator to estimate your UI benefit payments.

Utah Unemployment Calculator


Eligibility requirements for UI benefits in Utah

In order to qualify for Utah Unemployment Insurance benefits, you must meet the following

requirements as outlined by the state:

  1. Be completely or partly unemployed, through no fault of your own
  2. Be a U.S. citizen or able to work in the United States
  3. Meet the monetary eligibility requirements
  4. File a claim for benefits each week
  5. Be willing and available for full time employment

Monetary eligibility

When filing for the unemployment insurance program, you will receive a letter called the “Notice of Monetary Determination.” This letter tells will outline:

  • How much money you made in the past year from the job you lost
  • How much money you can get each week in unemployment compensation
  • How many weeks you can receive unemployment benefits (between 10 to 26 weeks, depending on how much you earned)

Your unemployment compensation is based on how much you earned during a “base period.” The base period is the first four out of the last five quarters before you filed for benefits. You must have made at least $4,800 during the base period, and you have to have earned more than one and a half times your highest-earning quarter.

If you made less than one and a half times your highest-earning quarter, you may still qualify for unemployment benefits using an “alternate base period.”  In this case, the Utah Department of Workforce Services will use your four most recent working quarters instead.

Learn more about eligibility requirements

Job Separation

The reason for separating from your previous organization plays a critical role in establishing whether you are eligible for UI benefits or not. You must have lost your jobs for no fault of your own. Here are some of the important conditions you must fulfill to gain eligibility for unemployment benefits in Utah:

  • You were not fired due to any work-related reasons
  • You were not involved in any unethical, illegal or immoral activities in your workplace
  • You did not quit your job voluntarily due to lack of interest
  • You must be partially or completely unemployed
  • You must not have lost your job for any reason that directly concerns you
  • If in case, you are partially unemployed, the wages you earn must be lesser than the WBA you receive every week

Utah Eligibility Calculator

Maintaining eligibility

In order to maintain your eligibility for unemployment benefits in the state of Utah, you must file a weekly claim. This claim will ask you questions about work-related activities you did throughout the week, including but not limited to:

  • Did you work or attend paid training at any point during the week?
  • What were your gross earnings before deductions?
  • During the week, did you resign from a job or get terminated from a job?
  • Did you reject any job offers or fail to apply for any work during the week?
  • Did you participate in any unpaid training or attend school during the week?
  • Could you work full-time without any limitations, and were you available?
  • Did you travel outside the United States during the week?
  • Did you apply for jobs to fulfill your work search requirements?

Learn more about job search requirements

How to apply for unemployment benefits in Utah

In order to apply for Utah unemployment benefits, you must file an initial claim through the state’s Department of Workforce Services online portal.

Be prepared to supply your personal identification documents and contact information, as well as your past employment history.

It will take roughly 30 minutes to file your initial claim for unemployment benefits.

Learn more about the Utah unemployment application

How to file weekly claims

After you file an initial application, you will need to file a weekly claim to qualify for benefits.

To file your weekly claim, visit jobs.utah.gov, click on “Sign In” in the upper right-hand corner, then select “my Unemployment” and “File Weekly Claim” from the drop-down menu.

It will take a few weeks to start receiving benefits. You will need to file weekly claims during this review period. Otherwise, you risk being denied unemployment compensation for that week.

Learn how to file a weekly claim

 

Things to know after applying for benefits

After filing your initial application for benefits, it’s important to stay on top of things to ensure you continue receiving compensation. Failure to comply with the rules and regulations may result in the discontinuation of your benefits. Consider the following:

Utah unemployment fraud

It is considered unemployment fraud if you lie to obtain benefits you are not entitled to. You are engaging in fraud if you are providing false information, withholding information, or making false statements.

Failure to report all earnings while filing for benefits or inaccurately reporting the reason you’re not working are two of the most common causes of unemployment fraud.

Overpayments

When you receive unemployment benefits that you are not entitled to, it results in an overpayment. If this happens, you will receive an overpayment notice which will provide instructions for repayment and appeal. The total weekly benefit amount, including deductions and penalties, will be used to calculate the overpayment.

Failure to repay an overpayment may result in federal and/or state tax garnishment or placing a lien against your property.

Extended benefit programs

The state of Utah only participates in extended benefit programs once its unemployment rate hits a certain threshold, or during natural disasters and extreme economic circumstances.

As of 2023, no extended benefits are offered. Utah residents are eligible for 10-26 weeks of unemployment benefits, depending on earnings.

Job training assistance

Utah offers job training programs to help workers find and maintain a career. These programs are often geared toward specific demographics, such as veterans, people with disabilities, refugees, and more.

A few of the most popular programs include:

  • Apprenticeship Utah
  • Refugee Employment Services
  • Student Transition Services
  • Utah Jobs mobile app
  • Veteran and Military Employment Services
  • Workforce Services Rehabilitation
  • And more

Learn about job training opportunities in UT

Utah unemployment office locations and phone numbers

If you have questions about your unemployment claim or need help with filing, you can call the Utah Claims Assistance and Re-employment Team.

If you’re interested in learning more about career counseling and job search programs, visit your county Department of Workforce Services office.

Frequently asked questions about Utah unemployment insurance

What do I do after I’ve found a full-time job?

Once you are a full-time employee, you can close out your claim by contacting the Claims Center. You can also simply stop filing any further claims. If you do not file any claims for three consecutive weeks, the system will automatically close your claim.

Can I attend school while receiving benefits?

Your eligibility for full-time work may be impacted if school attendance limits your availability.

Are my unemployment benefits taxable?

Yes, unemployment compensation is subject to income tax. You can opt to have taxes withheld from your benefits. The amount withheld for federal taxes will be 10%, while the amount withheld for state taxes will be 5%.

What is the maximum benefit amount I can receive?

In Utah, the maximum benefit amount is $712 per week. The total maximum benefit amount for the year is $18,512.

What happens if I am sick or traveling while receiving unemployment benefits?

You are ineligible for benefits for any week you are sick or traveling. This is because you are not able to work should the opportunity arise. If you are unable to work for any reason while receiving unemployment benefits, you must report it to the Claim Center immediately.

Can I move to another state and receive Utah Unemployment Insurance benefits?

As long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, you can continue filing claims for the Utah unemployment benefit program. However, you must update your contact information.

You also need to register for work within three business days of moving to a new state.

If you travel or relocate outside the United States, you must inform the Claims Center.

Questions & Answers

  1. Sir or Ma’am;
    I am furnishing the below information so I may have an answer to my last question and to clarify the date of my employment with Associated Foods: I initially input 3-20-20 which is incorrect, it should have been 05-04-2019.

    Secondly I was trying to find out what to do if I waited to file my claim on April 5th vs now as it would be a higher amount and four more weeks.

    If you could have someone follow-up and contact me I would greatly appreciate it.

    UI Claims Representative 8
    1:22:47 p.m.
    I’ll be happy to help you with that – may I have the phone number you listed on your claim, the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, and your Mother’s maiden name?

    GARY M THOMAS
    1:23:27 p.m.
    435-233-7107, 7686 Carma Ray Brown

    UI Claims Representative 8
    1:23:41 p.m.
    One moment

    1:25:48 p.m.
    The processing time will take 2-4 weeks. We’ll call you if anything is needed.

    GARY M THOMAS
    1:26:48 p.m.
    Please elaborate on what you are addressing?

    UI Claims Representative 8
    1:27:38 p.m.
    You have filed a claim, and it will take 2-4 weeks to process it. continue to look for work while the claim is being processed and click on file weekly claim. Everything is on your to do list.

    GARY M THOMAS
    1:28:52 p.m.
    I want to wait to file on April 5th as I will receive a higher monetary amount, if I file now it will be a reduced amount

    UI Claims Representative 8
    1:30:18 p.m.
    do you want me to withdraw the claim now then?

    1:30:28 p.m.
    you will have to withdraw in order to refile

    GARY M THOMAS
    1:32:12 p.m.
    If that iswhat I need to do in order ro receive the higher amount, also please check and see if Associated Foods would still be an issue based on the statement I initiated with this chat

    UI Claims Representative 8
    1:32:32 p.m.
    yes, they are

    GARY M THOMAS
    1:32:46 p.m.
    why?

    UI Claims Representative 8
    1:34:25 p.m.
    I show that was the job that ended on 03-20-2020

    1:34:27 p.m.
    Agent has left the conversation

    1:34:27 p.m.
    You have been disconnected from the chat

    • We understand this might be a difficult time for you. We’re anticipating a shortage of staff across unemployment offices due to the massive surge in UI applications considering the pandemic. We advise against calling or visiting the office, as you may not get a response instantly.

      Your state may have activated “Extended Benefits (EB)” authorized by the federal government. We recommend you apply for UI benefits online. For more information, please visit your state’s official Unemployment website.

    • JJ,

      If you think you’re eligible, please consider filing an appeal. You should find details pertaining to the “Adjudication” process on the official website.

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

  2. My daughter gave notice to her employer of over a year on 3/6/17, that she had accepted a new job offer and her last day with the company would be 3/14/17, they became upset that she was not giving a full 2 weeks notice, as she had vacation scheduled for the 15-17th, they told her that 3/6/17 was her last day. Are they obligated to pay her through her resignation? As she would have been collecting her pay up to the end of that time. If not is she eligible to collect unemployment? She has been a full time benefited employee 8-5 M-F.

    • I am not sure of the local labor laws when we talk about your daughter being paid during resignation.

      If she resigned voluntarily, she will not be able to draw UI benefits.

  3. Hello,
    My husband was fired from his job. He has a mental health condition and was under the care of a Dr. He had an acute episode, not showing up for several weeks and failing to apply for the offered short term disability (all unbeknownst to me). Currently he is at the UofU hospital. This is a spectacularly tragic affair, my husband did fail to go to work, but this was due to the extreme mental duress (who in their right mind refuses to sign up for the ofered short term disability?) As i look at the site, it seems that he might be able to make an appeal. Is this true? He is a good person, he has never claimed unemployment and this is the first time that he has had a mental health crisis. I am at a loss to figure out what to do next and appreciate any assistance you might give
    thank you
    Ang

    • Generally, personal reasons such as health issues are not considered.

      Please call the Unemployment Office and speak to a rep to find out your options.

  4. My wife has gotten a new job in Washington state so I am relocating to be with her. Can I get unemployment benefits while I am trying to find a new job?

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

    • It should be available on the official web portal of the Unemployment Office for a download during a specific period.

      You can call the Office for further details.

    • Well, to be eligible for benefits you need to have sufficient income in the last 4-5 calendar quarters (base period).

      Determine eligibility with the Eligibility Calculator.

  5. This was the response provided to my request to obtain unemployment benefits:

    You were discharged from your job for absenteeism or tardiness after you failed to call in or report to work as scheduled.
    You were discharged from your job for just cause. Your conduct was within your control and was adverse to your employer’s rightful interests. You had knowledge of your responsibilities to your employer or your employer’s expectations and you knew or should have known the possible adverse effects of your conduct on your employer.
    Benefits are denied under Section 35A-4-405(2)(a) of the Utah Employment Security Act beginning 09/25/2016 and ending when you have earned wages in bona fide covered employment equal to at least six times your weekly benefit amount and you are otherwise eligible. To reopen your claim, you can file online at jobs.utah.gov, click on “Sign In” and “My Unemployment” or you can call the UI Claims Center. This reopening will be effective as of the week you reopen your claim. You will be notified separately of any other issues on your claim.

    ….What are my chances of appealing this decision to approved? Please advise.

  6. I worked for a company for 8 years. 3 years part-time and 5 years full-time. I brought attention to my supervisors of some questionable actives of a (family relative) employee. They were disregarded. One year later when they discovered this employee has stolen thousands of dollars and had drained the company of substantial funds, I was laid off, because of “lack of funds”. 1 month later I was offered 10 hours a week at an hourly wage. I was a salaried employee. I am also a relative of one of the owners, but not related to the one that embezzled. Can I draw unemployment?

    • You may explore the option of applying for partial unemployment benefits towards reduction in weekly hours.

  7. After 13 years of excellent work that I provided to a company, I was fired based on unsubstantiated claims from a co-worker. This co-worker has already gotten 3 other employees fired over the past 2-3 years. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits? I have never claimed them before over 30 years of working.

    • Well, your employer may contest when you apply. If you’re able to justify with documentary evidence in case of a dispute, please consider applying for UI benefits until you find a job.

  8. I work for a school district and I am out of work every summer. Do I qualify for any type of unemployment?

    • Seasonal workers are generally not eligible.

      Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office in your state.

  9. I am Self employed, but it is an oil company, and our revenues have declined 80% over the last 1.5 years. I can no longer live off of this, but haven’t found a job yet

    • Self employed people do not qualify for Unemployment Insurance.

      Please check further with the Labor Authorities in your state.

  10. I do construction and it’s really slow this time of year. How do I file for partial unemployment. I found it once. It’s hard to find on the website. I called to find out and they just told me that I can do it all from the website. Didn’t tell me how.

  11. My son was forced to quit his job, he was told he was going to be fired but if he quit on his own they would give him a job recommendation. It was his first real job and he had it for 3 years. Does he qualify for unemployment? He has been unable to find a job and it’s been over a month.

  12. I am currently employed with a Company that is based in a another state and I am also from another State and the job is about to end and the company I am working for has no further employment opportunities for me.
    They have taken all the proper deductions out of my checks and I was wandering how to go about filing for unemployment benefits if my employer and myself are both from out of State. They took Fed and Utah State Income taxes along with S>S and medicare So do I file in Utah or what are my options? Thank You for your time and consideration

  13. I was inquiring about if military spouse are eligible to receive unemployement benefits? My husband is being stationed in Virgina in July. If I am able to receive unemployement benefits when should I file a claim? Should I fill a claim once we move to Virginia or a few days before we move out of state.

  14. Do I still need to apply at different jobs when I have been offered employment and am taking the job? But the job doesn’t start for a few weeks?

  15. I am currently employed and have been applying for jobs consistently for the past six months. I feel I am in an unethical work environment in which I am unfairly treated and am consistently asked to do more than others. I need to know what I specifically need to provide to learn if I am eligible for unemployment insurance.
    Thank you.
    Diane Mark

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

https://fileunemployment.org