Filing for unemployment in Utah? Here's what you need to know

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A record number of people are filing for unemployment insurance, there are new guidelines and recommendations in place to help those who are filing.

The Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS) has released a step-by-step guide on how best to get through the process, which needs to be done online.

Because of increased volume, it may now take DWS 21-30 days to process your claims. The normal processing time is 14-21 days.

Brooke Porter Coles, spokeswoman for Department of Workforce Services said:

We are absolutely experiencing an increase in call times and chatbox wait times due to this high demand. The biggest message we are sharing, the best way for people to help and get answers, is to wait for the Department of Workforce Services to reach out. Individuals calling pulls people away from processing claims.

Utah's unemployment insurance has nothing to do with the COVID-19 outbreak. This is still standard unemployment insurance for people who lost their job, even if it isn't related to the coronavirus.

DWS has a COVID-19 section which will answer any coronavirus-related questions you may have.

While the federal government's aid package has passed, DWS says it has received guidance for implementing some by not all of the programs. DWS is still in the process of creating those federal programs so they can be implemented locally.

We've posted the step-by-step instructions below followed by some frequently asked questions.

STEP 1: File for unemployment insurance online at jobs.utah.gov/ui/home.

Due to the unprecedented volume of claims, there are disruptions in normal service levels including high call and chat wait times.Please file your claim online.

Information you should have ready when applying includes:

• Your Social Security Number
• Driver’s License
• Work history back to October 2018
• Employer’s name as recorded on your pay stub
• Bank or credit union account number for direct deposit of weekly benefits

If you complete your claim and realize you made an error, there is no need to contact DWS. DWS will compare your claim with information submitted by your employer. If there is a difference in what was submitted that will negatively impact your claim you will be contacted.

STEP 2: Be patient while your claim is processed.

Due to the record high volume of claims, it may take 21-30 days for your claim to be processed rather than the normal 14-21 days. You will be retroactively paid any applicable weeks once your claim has been processed. If there is a question or problem with your claim, DWS will contact you. If you have not heard from DWS, it means your claim is still being processed.

When you first file your claim you may see this notice, “Based on the information provided by your employer, you are eligible for $0.00/week.” This is normal and will display until we verify your work history and wages to your claim. Once your work history and wages are verified, you will receive a Notice of Monetary Determination which will show your weekly benefit amount and the total number of weeks you can be paid.

You may receive notice of an issue on your claim. The issue will be assigned to a worker to investigate and resolve. If additional information is needed, you will be contacted. You do not need to contact DWS.

TIP: Do not opt-out of electronic correspondence. Doing so will slow the communication process for your claim.

STEP 3: File your weekly claim.

Unemployment Insurance is not a single application. You are required to file a short weekly claim that includes 4-5 general eligibility questions. This claim is made available each Sunday and can be done in the same place you filed your initial claim online at jobs.utah.gov/ui/home/.

If you do not file your weekly claim, your weekly benefit will not be paid. If you forgot to complete or did not know to complete your weekly claim, do so immediately. Access to weekly filing will be closed due to inactivity if you have not filed a weekly claim within 21 days of the week you are claiming for.

STEP 4: Return to full employment.

Once you have returned to full employment there is no need to contact the Department of Workforce Services. Simply stop filing your weekly claim and your claim will automatically be closed by the system.

If you once again become unemployed or your hours are reduced, file for unemployment insurance online at jobs.utah.gov/ui/home. Depending on the date you file, your closed claim will be reopened or if your claim expired, you will be directed to file a new claim.

STEP 5: Return to part-time employment.

If you return to part-time work, depending on the number of hours you work and your earnings during a week, you may still be eligible for partial unemployment benefits.

If you return to part-time work, continue filing your weekly claim. Answer “Yes” to the question, “During the week, did you work?” You will then be asked to report your gross earnings (before taxes/deductions) for the week, regardless of when you get paid. The system will adjust your weekly unemployment benefit payment based on the gross wages you report.

If you work and earn equal to or more than your weekly unemployment benefit amount four consecutive weeks, the system will close your claim. If your earnings decrease below your weekly unemployment benefit amount during the fifth week, simply reopen your claim online at jobs.utah.gov/ui/home. You will not be required to serve another non-paid waiting week when you reopen a claim.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are frequently asked questions and answers as provided by the Department of Workforce Services

Where do I file my weekly claim?

You can file your weekly claim online in the same place you initially filed for unemployment benefits at jobs.utah.gov/ui/home/.

Why do I need to file a weekly claim?

Filing a weekly claim allows you to “check in” with the department to inform us that you need to be paid for that particular week. If someone does not file their weekly “check-in” then we would not know if you are still unemployed or how much you are still in need of.

What if I forgot to file my weekly claim?

You are able to file for a weekly claim up to 21 days after the week you are filing for ends. If you miss filing a week, you can usually catch up as long as you are within the 21-day time frame.

Does my weekly benefit change each week after I file?

The weekly benefit amount is established when your claim is initially filed and would remain the maximum amount you would get for the duration of your benefit year. If you report wages from part-time work the amount can be reduced for that particular week, but possible reductions may vary week to week depending on your earnings.

What about the $600 from the CARE act?

The additional $600 payment that is part of the CARES Act is a separate benefit that will be added to any traditional unemployment benefits you are eligible for. As long as you receive at least $1 in traditional unemployment benefits, the additional $600 benefit will be added to the payment. Once programming for this benefit is completed, the extra benefit will be added to any benefit week that ends 04/04/20 through 07/25/20.

What if my employer has me working every other week?

You are eligible for any week you are not working full-time (traditionally less than 40 hours a week) and making less than your weekly benefit amount. If your employer was scheduling you to work full time every other week then you would be eligible for unemployment benefits for the weeks you are not working. Please remember that you will need to report your earnings when you file your weekly claim for every week, including those you work in.

What if I’m working part-time?

You are eligible for any week you are not working full time (traditionally less than 40 hours a week) and making less than your weekly benefit amount. Provided you are making less than your weekly benefit amount then you would get at least a partial payment of unemployment benefits. Please remember that you will need to report your earnings when you file your weekly claim for the week you worked in.

How do I report my earnings?

When you file your weekly claim answer “Yes” to the question, “During the week, did you work?” You will then be asked to report your gross earnings (before taxes/deductions) for the week, regardless of when you get paid. The system will adjust your weekly unemployment benefit payment based on the gross wages you report.

What if I am no longer unemployed?

Once you have returned to full employment, you can simply stop submitting your weekly claim. The system will automatically close your claim after 21 days of inactivity in making the weekly claim. There is no need for you to contact us.

What about gig workers?

The federal unemployment benefit will cover gig workers, but not yet. DWS said they just got the guidance and a plan is actively being created right now. Utah has never expanded to cover gig works and self-employed workers, so it’s creating an entirely new program. DWS has to staff the program, write the program, and put the system in place.