You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must have earned sufficient wages in your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the start date of your claim, or alternatively the last 4 quarters). Also, you must be able and available for full-time work.

You can apply online or over the phone at 1-406-444-2545.

The amount of your weekly benefit amount will be based upon your base period earnings. For an estimate, use Montana’s Benefits Estimator.

The length of time that you will receive benefits is also based on how much you made during the base period.

You must continue to file bi-weekly (every 2 weeks). You are required to register for work, and you can do so online at Montana Works or at any Workforce Service Center. Also, you must continue to be able and available for full-time work. You must actively seek employment, while keeping a record of your work search activities using the Work Search Record, and you are required to keep this record for three years for auditing purposes. To be actively seeking employment, you must make at least one employer contact each week you file for benefits. Finally, you must accept suitable work.

You must appeal within 10 calendar days from the date of the decision. You can submit your appeal online, by phone, by mail, or by fax. Also, you must keep filing your weekly claims regularly because you will only be paid for weeks you filed if you win your appeal.

Visit the State of Montana Website.

Read the Claimant Handbook.