How to file in Montana, step by step
- Gather your documents. Montana asks for the items in the checklist below.
- File your claim online at dli.mt.gov or by phone (numbers and hours).
- Meet the work search rule. One employer contact a week with an application or resume to someone who can hire, plus active Job Service registration. Keep proof for three years. Waivers exist.
- Request benefits for each week you are unemployed, as your claim instructions say. See how weekly claims work.
- Answer any reemployment appointment. Some claimants are selected for a RESEA session at a job center.
Documents Montana asks for
- Employers in the last 18 months: dates, business name, address and phone
- Account and routing number for deposit; union name and local number if it applies
- DD-214 Member 4 if former military; SF-8/SF-50 if federal in the last 18 months; immigration card and expiration if not a citizen
Source: uid.dli.mt.gov. Lists can be partial; follow the instructions in your claim.
How much Montana pays and for how long
All statesMaximum from the U.S. DOL table effective July 2026. The state calculates your weekly amount from your past wages when you file. How long unemployment lasts
Montana unemployment phone
DetailsHours: UI claims processing: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (subject to change).
Where to log in
The official place to start a claim or reach your account is dli.mt.gov, run by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Only enter your Social Security number or PIN on the official state site. This guide is independent and cannot see or change your claim.
If your claim is denied
Federal law requires every state to offer a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal to anyone whose unemployment claim is denied (Social Security Act, sec. 303(a)(3)). The determination letter from Montana tells you the deadline and how to file the appeal. How unemployment appeals work.
Job centers in Montana
All 20Billings Job Service
2121 Rosebud Dr Suite B, Billings
Bozeman Job Service
121 N. Willson Ave., Bozeman
Butte Job Service
2201 White Blvd., Butte
Columbus Job Service
444 North 9th St, Suite 2, Columbus
Cut Bank Job Service
1210 East Main Street Room C, Cut Bank
Glendive Job Service
211 South Kendrick Ave., Glendive
Havre Job Service
160 First Ave., Havre
Helena Job Service
715 Front Street, Helena
Kalispell Job Service
427 First Ave. East, Kalispell
Lame Deer Job Service
600 Cheyenne Ave., Lame Deer
Laurel Job Service
108 East Main St, Laurel
Lewistown Job Service
773 Airport Drive, Lewistown
Montana unemployment questions
How do I file for unemployment in Montana?
Online on the Montana Department of Labor and Industry website or by phone at 406-444-2545. Have your Social Security number and your employers from the last 18 months ready.
What is the Montana unemployment phone number?
406-444-2545. Hours: UI claims processing: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (subject to change).
How much is unemployment in Montana?
Up to $767 a week. Your own amount depends on your past wages.
How long does unemployment last in Montana?
Up to 24 weeks; the federal table lists a range of 8-24 weeks depending on your situation. Your weeks are set when the state reviews your claim.
Where do I log in to Montana unemployment?
Use the official site (dli.mt.gov) to start a claim or reach your account. We do not handle logins or claims.
What if my Montana unemployment claim is denied?
Federal law requires every state to give claimants whose claims are denied the chance of a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal. Your determination letter explains how and by when to appeal.
Related guides
Sources
Claim website: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Claims phone: dol.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Documents: uid.dli.mt.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Work search: uid.dli.mt.gov, checked October 30, 2026.
Weekly maximum: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Maximum weeks: oui.doleta.gov (dated July 2026), checked October 30, 2026.
Right to a fair hearing: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(3), checked October 31, 2026.