Frequently Asked Questions


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I already applied for benefits.  Why do I have to file a claim each week?

For each week you are filing weekly claims, you are certifying your eligibility for the week and requesting benefits be paid to you if eligible. A weekly claim is the only way to request payment for the week.

How do I file my weekly claim?

After you file your new claim, file weekly claims online at neworks.nebraska.gov for every week you are unemployed or your hours are reduced. You must file a weekly claim for any week that you want payment or waiting week credit, even if your new claim is still being processed, your eligibility is being decided, or you have an appeal pending. 

For step-by-step instructions on filing your weekly claim, click HERE.

If you need assistance, call the Nebraska Claims Center at 402-458-2500 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., CST Monday-Friday

When should I file my weekly claim?

You have from Sunday to Saturday to file a weekly claim for benefits for the previous week. 

What happens if I file my weekly claim late?

If you file your weekly claim late, you may be disqualified from benefits for the week you are claiming, plus intervening weeks until the claim is filed.  An intervening week is any week between the week you are claiming late and your next filing date.  For example, if you file on Sunday, December 18 for the week of Dec. 4-10, your payments for both the week ending the 10th and the week ending the 17th may be impacted. Not filing your weekly claims at all for two weeks will inactivate your claim and you will be required to reopen your claim if still unemployed or underemployed. 

Does my resume have to be online and searchable every week that I am claiming benefits?

Yes.  You may be disqualified from benefits for any week your resume is offline.  

I received a notice to report for reemployment services. Do I have to go?

If you receive a notice that you have been selected for the reemployment services program (NEres), you are required to take part in this program in order to remain eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. 

How many reemployment activities are required each week and what activities qualify?

Five reemployment activities must be completed per benefit week in order to remain eligible for Unemployment Benefits, and two of the activities must be applications for suitable work. Acceptable activities include but are not limited to: attending a Reemployment Session with the Nebraska Department of Labor; conducting work searches using internet job banks; applying for a job through NEworks.nebraska.gov, another job bank, or an employer’s website; attending a job fair, resume writing class, job skills class, job club, or sponsored networking event in your occupation or industry; and joining a professional organization in your occupation or industry. You can find a complete list of acceptable reemployment activities online at dol.nebraska.gov/UIBenefits.

Exceptions:  Individuals who are on a temporary layoff and their employer has confirmed a return date with 16 weeks (112 days) of layoff date, workers attached to certain industries,  workers in good standing with a union hiring hall, and workers taking part in a TRADE or Approved Training program. 

How can I record the required reemployment activities?

Unless NDOL has notified you that you are exempt from the requirement to complete reemployment activities, you must record your reemployment activities before submitting your weekly claim each week. You can log your reemployment activities in NEworks throughout the week by selecting the Work Search Log option, or log them when you submit your weekly claim for benefits.

Your reemployment activities are subject to ongoing audit review and a disqualification from benefits may be assessed if you fail to make and report the required reemployment activities.