Indiana Unemployment Insurance Claim Guide

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Senior man looks serious in front of a no vacancies message highlighting unemployment issues.
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To file an Indiana unemployment insurance claim, you'll need to submit an application through the Indiana Unemployment Insurance (UI) system online or by phone.

You can file your claim on the Indiana UI website or by calling the Indiana UI phone number.

The Indiana UI system is available 24/7, so you can file your claim at any time that's convenient for you.

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for Indiana unemployment insurance benefits, you must meet the monetary and job separation requirements.

You must have earned at least a minimum amount in wages before you were unemployed. This minimum amount is determined by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, and it's specific to the type of work performed.

To be monetarily eligible, your total wages during the base period must be at least 1.5 times the wages in the highest quarter of your base period. You must also have earned at least $4,200 in the entire base period, with at least $2,500 earned in the last six months.

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The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the week you file a new claim. For example, if you filed your claim in December 2023, the base period would be from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

To qualify for benefits, you must also meet the following three eligibility requirements:

  • You must have lost employment through no fault of your own.
  • You must be physically and mentally able and available to accept suitable work if and when it is offered.
  • You must be able to show that you are actively seeking a new, full-time job.

You can maintain your eligibility by being physically able to work, being readily available to take up work, documenting your work search activities, registering for work on IndianaCAREERconnect.com, and actively looking for work.

Application Process

To apply for UI benefits in Indiana, you'll need to submit some essential documents. You can file for benefits through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development website.

First, you'll need to create an account on the website, which requires having some information ready. This includes your Social Security number, address, driver's license or state ID card number, and employment information for the past two years.

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To complete your application, you'll also need to provide information about other income you're receiving, such as a pension or retirement savings. Additionally, you'll need to provide bank account information for direct deposit.

Once you've submitted your application, you'll need to submit weekly vouchers through your online account to request your unemployment payments. This is usually required even while your application is being processed.

The good news is that Governor Holcomb has waived the one-week waiting period during the COVID-19 pandemic. This means you can start receiving payments sooner than usual.

Here's a list of the required information:

  • Personal information: Social Security number, address, driver's license or state ID card number
  • Employment information: past two years, including other income
  • Bank account information: for direct deposit

Maintaining Eligibility

To maintain your eligibility for unemployment benefits in Indiana, you must be physically able to work. You must also be readily available to take up work.

You'll need to document your work search activities, which means keeping a record of the jobs you've applied for and the interviews you've had. This will help you stay on track and ensure you're meeting the requirements.

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Here are some key tasks to keep in mind:

  • You must register for work on IndianaCAREERconnect.com
  • You must actively look for work
  • You must make at least three work searches each week

If you're offered a job that pays at least 90% of your previous wage, you'll need to accept it within the first four weeks of receiving benefits. After that, you'll need to accept a job that pays at least 80% of your previous wage.

Minimum Earnings Requirement

To maintain eligibility for unemployment benefits in Indiana, you must meet the minimum earnings requirement. The base period, which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file a claim, is used to determine your eligibility.

You must have earned at least $4,200 in the entire base period. This requirement is crucial to qualify for benefits in Indiana.

The Indiana DWD determines eligibility, and you must meet three eligibility requirements, one of which is earning at least a minimum amount in wages before you were unemployed. If you don't meet this requirement, you won't be eligible for benefits.

Credit: youtube.com, Social Security work credits: yes, there are minimum income requirements (2024)

To qualify for benefits, you must have earned at least $2,500 in the last six months of the base period. This ensures that you have a steady income before you became unemployed.

Your total wages during the base period must be at least 1.5 times the wages in the highest quarter of your base period. This means if you earned $3,000 in the highest quarter, you must have earned at least $4,500 in the entire base period.

Here's a quick summary of the minimum earnings requirement:

Meeting these requirements will ensure that you're eligible for unemployment benefits in Indiana.

Maintaining Eligibility

Maintaining eligibility for unemployment benefits in Indiana requires ongoing effort and attention to detail. You must be physically able to work and readily available to take up work each week.

To maintain your eligibility, you'll need to document your work search activities. This can be done by keeping a record of the jobs you've applied for, the contacts you've made, and the interviews you've had. You'll also need to register for work on IndianaCAREERconnect.com and actively look for work.

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You must make at least three work searches each week, and you'll need to register for work at the Indiana Career Connect job matching service. After receiving benefits for four weeks, you may also have to appear in person to provide information about potential employers you've contacted.

If you're offered a suitable position, you must accept it. A suitable position is one that pays at least 90% of your previous wage during weeks 5-8 of receiving UI benefits, and at least 80% after that. However, the longer you're unemployed, the more likely you'll have to consider jobs that pay less and are in a different field or occupation.

Here are the key requirements for maintaining eligibility:

  • You must be physically able to work
  • You must be readily available to take up work
  • You must document your work search activities
  • You must register for work on IndianaCAREERconnect.com
  • You must actively look for work
  • You must make at least three work searches each week
  • You must accept a suitable job offer

Filing and Payment

You must submit your weekly voucher the week following your initial unemployment claim and each week thereafter.

You can file weekly certification through the online system—Uplink, which runs from Sunday, 12:00 a.m. through Saturday, 8:59 p.m., Eastern time.

To file a claim for unemployment benefits in Indiana, you can do it electronically or by phone through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Filing Weekly

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Filing weekly is a crucial step in receiving unemployment benefits. You must submit your weekly voucher the week following your initial unemployment claim and each week thereafter.

The online system, Uplink, is available for filing weekly certification. Note that the week runs from Sunday, 12:00 a.m. through Saturday, 8:59 p.m., Eastern time.

You can file your weekly claim vouchers online, making it a convenient option.

Overpayments

You might receive an overpayment of unemployment benefits due to administrative errors, reversal of a previous decision, or failure to report wages and other necessary information.

Administrative errors can happen, and it's not uncommon for mistakes to occur. However, it's essential to correct them promptly to avoid any further issues.

If you do receive an overpayment, the Department of Workforce Development will send you a notice with instructions on how to repay the amount.

You must repay the overpayment fully, as failing to do so can result in the Department deducting the amount from your future benefits or withholding your federal or state income tax return to recover the overpaid amount.

Here's a breakdown of the potential consequences of not repaying an overpayment:

Claims and Appeals

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If your unemployment claim is denied, you can file an appeal within 10 days of the date listed on the Determination of Eligibility you'll get in the mail.

You'll need to complete a written statement including your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and the reason you believe your determination of ineligibility was incorrect. Mail or fax this to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development Appeals Division.

You'll have multiple opportunities to appeal a denial of your unemployment benefits, with a hearing held on your appeal, typically by phone, and the option to file an appeal with the Unemployment Insurance Review Board within 18 days, and even in court if you're still dissatisfied.

If this caught your attention, see: What Is Claim Number in Car Insurance

Unemployment Due to No Fault

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Indiana, you must be out of work through no fault of your own. This means that if you're laid off, downsized, or experience a reduction in force, you may be eligible for benefits.

If you're fired, it's not necessarily a deal-breaker. However, if you were fired for good cause, such as coming to work intoxicated or intentionally damaging the employer's property, you won't be eligible for benefits.

Filing a Claim

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Filing a claim for unemployment benefits can be a straightforward process. You can file electronically or by phone with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

The DWD administers unemployment benefits in Indiana. You can find contact information and online filing information on their website.

You'll need to submit your application, and the DWD will review it. Once they receive your application, they'll send you a Wage Transcript and Benefit Computation, followed by a Determination of Eligibility.

This will let you know whether you qualify for benefits and how much you'll receive each week.

Appealing a Denial

You have 10 days to appeal a denial of your unemployment claim. This is the same time frame mentioned in all three examples, and it's essential to act quickly to avoid missing this deadline.

To appeal, you'll need to complete a written statement that includes your name, Social Security number, mailing address, and phone number. This is a standard requirement, as mentioned in Example 2.

Credit: youtube.com, 3 Killer Examples of Effective Appeal Letters for Timely Filing Denials

You should also include a full description of why you believe the decision regarding your claim is in error. This is a crucial part of your appeal, and it's essential to be clear and concise in your explanation.

You can submit your request for appeal in various ways, including by mail or fax to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development Appeals Division. This is mentioned in Example 3.

If you're unhappy with the judge's decision, you may file an appeal with the Unemployment Insurance Review Board within 18 days. This is a separate step in the appeals process, and it's mentioned in Example 1.

Make sure to keep a copy of your appeal for your records, as this can be helpful in case you need to reference it later.

For more insights, see: Insurance Claim Example

Frequently Asked Questions

What disqualifies you from unemployment in Indiana?

In Indiana, misconduct such as intoxication, crime, falsifying job applications, rule-breaking, and intentional property damage can disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits. Review our guidelines for a comprehensive list of eligibility requirements.

How do I speak to someone at Indiana Unemployment?

Call 1-800-891-6499 between 8am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, to speak with an Indiana Unemployment representative.

Rosalie O'Reilly

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Rosalie O'Reilly is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. She has honed her expertise in a range of article categories, including Financial Performance Metrics, where she has established herself as a knowledgeable and reliable source. Rosalie's writing style is characterized by clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of complex topics.

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