Get help with Utah unemployment benefits
To assist those who become unemployed by no fault of their own, each state runs its own unemployment insurance (UI) program. These benefits, in the form of weekly monetary payments, are available to anyone who is separated from work for a reason they could not control, most commonly a company closure or layoff, and are not based on need. Utah unemployment benefits are meant to replace lost income and keep individuals on their feet during the transition between jobs.
How Unemployment Works in Utah
And How To Get Unemployment in Utah
- To get started on a state of Utah unemployment claim, you must first file an application as soon as you are out of work. This can be done in-person, online, or through a Utah unemployment office.
- If you meet Utah unemployment benefits eligibility, you are on your way to claiming funds. If denied, you have the right to file an appeal with the Utah unemployment department.
- Utah unemployment compensation can be as much as $496 per week. Each person's claim is different, and the Utah unemployment amount of benefits you receive — between 10 and 26 weeks — varies on a case-by-case basis.
- After meeting Utah unemployment qualifications, you will be required to wait one week before your payments begin. In most cases, you will get your first payments within three weeks.
- You will be required to participate in the Utah unemployment claim filing process, which shows that you are searching for new work. This can be done through the Utah unemployment website or over the phone.
- In most cases, you will need to find work before your benefits end. In some situations, such as a high Utah unemployment rate, additional benefits may be granted through a Utah unemployment extension.
In Utah, unemployment insurance benefits are administered by the Unemployment Insurance Division of the Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS). DWS strives to “be the best-managed state agency in Utah" by operating under four cornerstone principles: operational excellence, exceptional customer service, employee success and community connection.
The ultimate goal of Utah’s UI program is to get individuals back to work as quickly as possible with little income disruption. It is an employer-paid program, meaning individual workers do not pay into the benefits system.
How to Get Unemployment in Utah
- File an initial claim
You should file Utah unemployment paperwork as soon as you become unemployed. You can apply for Utah unemployment here. - Choose a payment method
DWS offers two UI benefit payment methods—direct deposit or a U.S. Bank ReliaCard. You will choose your payment method when you file your initial claim. - Continue weekly claims
Once your initial claim has been filed, you are required to submit weekly claims in order to continue receiving benefits and maintain your claim status as active. Weekly claims document your continued eligibility to receive benefits. You will be asked to report job search activities for the week. You will only be asked to answer a few questions per week and claims can easily be filed online at jobs.utah.gov. - Register with the Department of Workforce Services to look for work
You will have 10 days to register for work with DWS after filing your initial claim. The simplest way to register is using the online system at jobs.utah.gov. Alternatively, you may register for work in person at one of DWS’ 30 employment centers. Find the location nearest you here. - Maintain an active job search
UI is meant to supplement income for only as long as it takes to become reemployed. Because of this, an active job search is a key part of the program. In your weekly claims, your will be required to document a minimum of four new full-time job contacts by reporting:- Date contacted
- Company name and job posting number (if applicable)
- Work address, phone number, email, website or person contacted
- Title of position
- How they were contacted
- Results
- Report all performed work
You may be able to find part-time work while receiving UI benefits and looking for full-time employment. If you do, you will keep your skills current and may still receive some benefits. In your weekly claim, you are required to report any and all work completed that week by recording your gross income for that time period. - For questions about Utah unemployment, contact the Utah Department of Workforce Services
You are legally responsible for providing accurate information in your UI claims. Submitting accurate information to DWS is important as they conduct regular audits to verify eligibility. If you submit false information, you can be charged with fraud. As a penalty, you’ll be required to pay back double the amount you received in UI benefits, will not be eligible for benefits in the future, and will potentially face criminal charges that can result in jail time.
To avoid mistakes, be sure to read all UI materials provided to you and reach out to DWS should you have any questions. Contact the Claims Center nearest you for help:
- Counties of Salt Lake and Davis: (801) 526-4400
- Counties of Weber and North Davis: (801) 612-0877
- Utah County: (801) 375-4067
- All others, toll-free: (888)-848-9688
Choose option one then press 5 to speak with someone in your preferred language. To locate a local Utah unemployment office, see our list of local Utah unemployment office locations here.