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Frequently Asked Questions


  • Unemployment Home
  • Claim Benefits

  • Handbook for Unemployed Workers
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • File for Unemployment Insurance Benefits at NEworks.nebraska.gov
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How much will I receive each week?

The maximum weekly benefit amount for 2022 is $490. Your individual benefits are calculated by identifying the highest quarter earnings in your base period. That amount is then divided by 13 to arrive at the average weekly wage, then divided again by two and rounded down to the next even dollar amount to arrive at your weekly benefit amount. Filing your new claim online will allow you to receive an estimate of your weekly benefit amount at the end of the filing process. You will be advised of this amount when you receive your monetary determination. NESL: 48-624   

How long will my benefits last?

You may be eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits during a 12-month period. The maximum amount of unemployment benefits you may receive during your benefit year is 26 times your weekly benefit amount, or 1/3 of your total base period wages, whichever is less. Your maximum amount is calculated after any separation issues are adjudicated and may be reduced when there are separation disqualifications, such as a discharge or quit.

How will I receive my payments?

You are required to select a payment method of direct deposit or debit card when filing your initial claim. We do not issue paper checks. You can change your payment method by logging into your unemployment claim online at neworks.nebraska.gov.

When will I receive my debit card?

You can expect to receive the card approximately 7-10 days after you receive waiting week credit. The first eligible week is called your “waiting week.” To get credit for the waiting week, you must file a weekly claim and meet all eligibility requirements for that week. The waiting week is never paid. However, you must serve a waiting week to be eligible for payments for later weeks. 

How do I resolve problems with my ReliaCard debit card?

If you have any problems with your debit card or need to change your address, contact ReliaCard by calling US Bank/ReliaCard Customer Service at 855-233-8429, or visit their website for more information.

How do I change my direct deposit bank account information?

You can change your direct deposit information by logging into your unemployment claim online at neworks.nebraska.gov.

How can I have federal income tax withheld?

You may elect to have federal and state withholding when filing your initial claim. You can start, stop, or change your income tax withholding anytime by logging into your account at neworks.nebraska.gov. No later than January 31, you will be mailed an IRS Form 1099-G showing the total benefits paid to you for the prior year and the federal and state income taxes withheld. 

When will you mail my 1099-G so I can do my taxes?

No later than January 31, you will be mailed an IRS Form 1099-G showing the total benefits paid to you for the prior year and the federal income taxes withheld. It will be sent to your last known address, so keep your address current at neworks.nebraska.gov.

Can I retrieve My 1099-G online?

Yes. You can view and print your 1099-G form online by logging into your account at neworks.nebraska.gov.

Where is my payment? I have not received a payment since I started filing.

Claims take 21 to 28 days to process. Continue to file weekly claims while your claim is processing so that you receive payment for those weeks if determined eligible. Read all notices issued by the Department of Labor and respond on time when you’re required to do so. If the Department of Labor needs any information to complete the processing of your claim, we will contact you.

Which benefits are state and which are federal?

Regular unemployment benefits and Extended Benefits are state benefits. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) are federal benefits.

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Equal Opportunity Program/Employer TDD: 800.833.7352  TTY 402-471-0016 (For Assistance with Unemployment Insurance) Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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