Oregon.gov - Claim a Week of Benefits

File your unemployment insurance claim either online at the Oregon Employment Department's Online Claim System website or by calling the regional unemployment center.

The telephone number is available in your Unemployment Claim Kit or by visiting the Employment Department's Online UI Center Locator and entering a zip code.

Your weekly benefit amount is based upon employment during your "base year," which is four of five quarters completed when you file your initial application.

You must earn a minimum of $1,000 from unemployment eligible work or wages exceeding 1.5 times those of your highest earning quarter.

1. You might also qualify if you have at least 500 hours eligible employment during your base year. File your first unemployment insurance claim on the Sunday or Monday after filing your application, either by telephone or online.

Your first week is your "waiting week," for which you will not be paid but still need to file. Respond immediately to any letters or telephone calls investigating your claim but also continue making your weekly claims. The investigation cannot begin until you file your first claim. The investigation can take up to four weeks.

2. Receiving Oregon unemployment benefits requires filing claims weekly, either by telephone or online. Your first application only can be backdated by one week, so do not delay filing.

You might be required to attend an orientation at an Oregon WorkSource office. Failure to attend could result in delay or even denial of your benefits.

3. You must continue seeking work every week you claim benefits. So record your contacts with employers or your union. Also record any days you are sick or out of the area.

You also must track your part time work and earnings each week. If you receive a job offer, you must tell the department the company's name, person in charge and the job offer, including details. Once your application is processed, you will receive a "claimant handbook" and "wage and potential benefit report."

Your benefit amount equals 1.25 percent of earning during your "base year," which lasts 52 weeks including the first week you file. However, your benefits will last only 26 weeks unless your weekly benefit is reduced by working part time or Oregon receives extended benefits.

You must be willing and able to work each day you are claiming.

You must be unemployed, physically and mentally are seeking.

You also must register for work with the iMatchSkills electronic job match system unless you belong to a union or have a definite date for returning to work.

You Need

Social Security number
Proof of citizenship (or valid Alien Registration Number)
Names, addresses and contact information for your previous employers during the last 18 months.
Dates of your previous employment.
Your last year's salary and total income from each employer.
Contact information for Oregon Employment Department's Unemployment Division
Your daytime telephone number.
Internet access or a telephone.

Website: www.oregon.gov