How to File for Unemployment: Website and Phone in Every State

Steps to file

1. File with the state where you worked, as soon as you lose your job or your hours are cut.
2. Gather your Social Security number, ID and 18 months of employer details (checklist).
3. Apply online on the state claim website or call the claims line below.
4. Register for work search if your state requires it, and request benefits every week or two.
5. If you need help getting online, a job center can help: by federal rule, centers must give information and meaningful assistance to people filing claims (20 CFR 678.430).

Claim website and phone by state

Phone numbers and websites come from each state agency and the U.S. Department of Labor state contact list, checked October 30, 2026.

Can a job center help in person?

It depends on the state. 393 of the 1,890 offices we list say they help with unemployment insurance. State policies we found:

• Alabama: Alabama Unemployment Compensation Guides give in-person guidance on benefits at the career centers the state lists. Claims are not decided or paid at the counter.
• Arizona: Arizona DES says it has no unemployment insurance offices. ARIZONA@WORK centers are not claims offices.
• California: America's Job Centers of California help you apply online, by mail or by fax, but they do not fix problems with existing claims. Check whether EDD staff are present before you go.
• Delaware: Delaware lists in-person unemployment help.
• District of Columbia: DOES headquarters at 4058 Minnesota Avenue NE offers in-person help on business days. Appointment rules and counter hours are not published in the source we checked.
• Florida: Florida says you can apply for Reemployment Assistance in person at a CareerSource center or online.
• Georgia: You can file a claim at any Georgia DOL career center or online.
• Hawaii: Unemployment offices in Honolulu, Hilo, Kona (Kealakekua), Maui (Wailuku) and Kauai (Lihue) take visits Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM HST except holidays. Bring a photo ID. Appointments: labor.hawaii.gov/ui/appointments.
• Idaho: Idaho lists in-person unemployment help at its local offices.
• Illinois: IDES offices take walk-ins and appointments.
• Indiana: WorkOne centers help in person, by appointment and virtually, but Indiana requires you to file your claim online.
• Iowa: You can file online or in person at an IowaWORKS center.
• Maryland: Maryland lists in-person unemployment help at its American Job Centers.
• Massachusetts: In-person unemployment help is at the Boston Re-Employment Center, 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, by appointment only.
• Michigan: UIA local offices take walk-ins on a first-come basis; appointments may get priority.
• Nebraska: NDOL job centers help when you lack internet access or need assistive technology. Claims are not decided in person.
• New Hampshire: An NHES employer handbook says claims can be filed in person at local offices, Monday to Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. It is an older document, so confirm first.
• New Jersey: Participating One-Stop Career Centers offer in-person unemployment help by appointment only; walk-ins are for career services.
• Oklahoma: OESC lets you visit Oklahoma Works centers to update contact details, reset your PIN, cancel a claim and get help with a 1099-G.
• Pennsylvania: Through UC Connect you can meet unemployment staff at PA CareerLink by appointment (855-284-8545), usually Tuesday and Wednesday 8:30 AM–2:30 PM.
• Rhode Island: DLT says there is no in-person unemployment help at its Building 70 headquarters; use phone, email or a callback. The American Job Centers offer employment services.
• South Carolina: SC Works centers have computers and staff to help you file online. Claims are not resolved in person.
• Tennessee: Upper Cumberland centers say they help with filing, eligibility and work search. Statewide in-person claims service is not confirmed.
• Texas: Workforce Solutions offices have equipment and resources to apply. TWC decides eligibility and runs unemployment benefits.
• Utah: Utah says its Employment Centers have no unemployment information and cannot help with claims. Use myUnemployment online or the CARE team.
• Vermont: Job centers can help with a computer, the online portal and reaching the Claimant Assistance Center, but they do not resolve claims.
• Virginia: Virginia lists in-person unemployment help at some workforce centers.
• West Virginia: WorkForce West Virginia's 17 local offices help with late certifications, low earnings reports and receiving appeals. Claims are not guaranteed to be resolved there.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

20 CFR 678.430, career services. Checked October 30, 2026.

State figures: each state's official unemployment agency, linked on its state page.