Who is Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- Earned at least $5,297 in the last 12 - 18 months
- We use information about the jobs and income you earned during your base period to decide if you are eligible and, if so, how much you may get. If you do not meet the requirement for total earnings during the standard base period, you may be eligible using an alternate base period.
- You must have worked for one or more employers who pay unemployment taxes. This is called insured employment. You can apply even if you don't know if your former employer is insured. We will determine if you are eligible.
- You must have earned at least $5,297 before taxes or other deductions during your base period. This is the amount for 2025. It will change each year.
- You must have earned at least $1,850 in one quarter of your base period and $800 in another quarter from insured employers.
- Be unemployed due to no fault of your own
- Your eligibility for benefits is also based on the reason you are unemployed. The table below has examples of qualifying and disqualifying reasons
| You may receive benefits if you: | You may not receive benefits if you: |
| Were laid off or your employer reduced your hours because they did not have enough work for you. | Left your job for personal reasons unrelated to work. |
| Left your job for good causes (such as unsafe working conditions) | Were fired for misconduct |
| Left your job because you or your child was a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. | Were an independent contractor or worked for an employer that does not pay UI taxes |
| Are receiving workers' compensation for an on-the-job injury |
- Be able and available to work
- You are actively looking for work.
- You are mentally and physically able to work.
- You are legally authorized to work in the United States.
- You are available to accept new work. For example, you do not have personal responsibilities that would prevent you from working.