How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Every State

En español | While unemployment remains low overall, 2025 has started with thousands of people losing their jobs, whether they worked for the federal government or in the private sector.

Unexpected job loss often forces people to scramble to apply for unemployment benefits, many for the first time. Every state is different, but typically you have to apply for benefits

through the labor department or unemployment agency in the state where you worked, not where you live. Be prepared to provide basic information, such as the address of your employer and the

dates you worked there.

Here is the contact information, including websites and phone numbers, for filing unemployment claims in every state plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Many states are reporting unusually high call volumes to their unemployment hotlines, so your claim may be processed faster if you apply online.

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