To file for unemployment in Louisiana, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility:
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own (e.g., layoffs, business closures).
- You need to be able and available for work and meet the state's earnings/work requirements.
- Be prepared to actively search for jobs while receiving benefits.
- Gather Required Information:
- Social Security number.
- Driver’s license or state ID.
- Mailing address and phone number.
- Employment history for the past 18 months including employer details, job titles, and dates.
- Bank account and routing numbers if opting for direct deposit.
- Separation letter or other documentation explaining your unemployment may be helpful.
- File Your Claim:
- Online (preferred): Go to Louisiana Workforce Commission's HiRE website at www.laworks.net. Create an account or log in, go to Unemployment Services, and choose to file a claim.
- By phone: Call Louisiana Workforce Commission Claim Center at 1-866-783-5567.
- Certify Weekly:
- File weekly claims online or by phone to confirm you remain unemployed and eligible.
- Answer questions about job status, income, and job search efforts truthfully.
- Job Search:
- Continue active job searching and keep detailed records of your contacts and applications.
- You must contact at least three employers weekly and register with your local Business & Career Solutions Center within 14 days of filing your initial claim.
- Respond to Requests:
- Stay responsive to calls or requests from the Workforce Commission for additional information or interviews to avoid delays in benefits.
Filing online is the most convenient and available 24/7. Weekly certifications and continued job searches are necessary to receive and maintain unemployment benefits in Louisiana.
