Unemployment Filing Checklist — Everything You Need to File

1 Documents to gather before you start

Have these ready before opening your state's filing portal. The application will ask for most of these.

Social Security Number (SSN) Required to create your claim. Your employer may also need their FEIN (Federal Employer ID Number). Your last employer's full legal name and address Not the office address — the company's registered legal name and mailing address. This is on your W-2 or pay stubs. Last day of work (exact date) Benefits start from the week containing your official last day. Have the exact date confirmed in writing. Reason for separation "Laid off / position eliminated," "fired," "resigned," "hours reduced," or "temporary layoff." Write it down before the form asks — accuracy matters. Last 18 months of pay stubs or wage records States calculate your benefit using a specific "base period." Having your actual wage records lets you verify the state's calculation. W-2 forms for the past 2 years If you can't access pay stubs, W-2s confirm your wages for each employer. Available from your employer or via IRS Get Transcript tool. Bank account and routing number (for direct deposit) Direct deposit is faster and more secure than paper checks. Set it up at the time of filing, not later. All employers from the past 18 months If you worked for more than one employer in the base period, you'll need each one's name and address. All wages count toward your benefit calculation.

2 Steps to complete when filing

Go to your state's official unemployment portal Use layoffnow.com/resources/ to find the direct link. Avoid third-party "application assistance" sites that charge fees. Create your account if you don't have one Use your real name and SSN exactly as they appear on your Social Security card. Name mismatches cause identity verification holds. Complete all sections — do not skip any field Incomplete applications are held, not denied. But a held application means delayed payments. Fill every field even if your answer is "none" or "not applicable." Elect federal tax withholding (10%) UI benefits are taxable income. Electing 10% withholding at filing prevents an unexpected tax bill in April. You can change this later. Select direct deposit and enter bank details Faster than a debit card or check. Confirm routing number (9 digits) and account number before submitting. Write down your confirmation number Screenshot or photograph the confirmation screen. This is your proof of filing date, which determines your first eligible week. Note your certification schedule and set a reminder Most states certify weekly (Sunday or Monday). Missing one certification week permanently loses that week's payment. Set a recurring phone reminder now.

3 After filing — ongoing requirements

Start your work search log on day 1 Your state requires 1-5 documented job search contacts per week, starting from the first week of your claim. Track: date, employer, position, contact method, confirmation. Register with your state's job bank (usually required) Most states require registration with their workforce job bank (e.g., CalJOBS in CA, WorkInTexas in TX) as a one-time step. Do this the same day you file. Certify your first week on schedule Don't assume the application confirmation means payment. You must certify each week — confirming you were available for work, looking for work, and not earning over the limit. Report any earnings immediately Part-time work, freelance income, gig earnings, and severance payments must be reported during the week they are received — not weekly averages, but actual weekly gross. Watch for correspondence from the state Check your email, the portal messages tab, and physical mail. Missing a fact-finding questionnaire or interview notice can cause a denial that requires appeal. Appeal immediately if denied Denial deadlines are 10-30 days from the notice date. Keep certifying during the appeal. A denied claim is not final.

Next steps

Estimate your benefit Calculator → Week-by-week timeline What to expect → Budget while on UI Financial plan → File your claim now Find your state portal →