www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/UI - File Oregon Unemployment Insurance

If you live in the state of Oregon and have recently lost your job, you may have questions about filing a claim. Searching for a job while caring for yourself and your family can take a toll on your wallet. Taking the initiative to learn about Oregon's unemployment insurance requirements and benefits means that you'll be receiving your unemployment check as soon as possible.

If you want to file Oregon unemployment insurance, you'll need to register with Oregon's Online Claim System at http://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/UI/index.shtml. This is the most practical way to file an Oregon unemployment insurance claim. Filing online will save you hours waiting in line at the unemployment insurance office or waiting on hold on the telephone. When you file online, you can complete the entire process in about thirty minutes.

Go http://www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/UI/index.shtml then click on the "File a New Claim" link. Be sure you read the list of circumstances which require you to file over the phone rather than online. If you fall into any of the categories listed, do not continue with the online filing system.

Click on the "Begin Claim" button at the bottom of the page. As you file your claim, you will be asked a series of questions regarding your work history and income over the past 18 months.

Proceed through each page of questions. Answer each question truthfully to the best of your knowledge. The answers you provide will determine your eligibility for Oregon unemployment insurance as well as the level of benefits you receive.

File a weekly claim online or by phone on the Sunday or Monday after you first file for unemployment benefits. This week will be your waiting week. During the waiting week, staff members will process your application and determine your eligibility for benefits. You will not receive payment for this week, but you must file the weekly claim in order for your application process to be completed.

Choose the method by which you would like to receive benefit payments. Your first payment will be sent to you by check. Subsequent payments can be directly deposited into your bank account or can be applied to a card which is issued to you automatically. If you desire direct deposit, fill out the online application available at www.workinginoregon.org/ocs.

Continue to file weekly claims in order to receive Oregon unemployment insurance benefits. If you fail to file your weekly claim, you will not receive your payment for that week.