How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?

If you become unemployed, you may file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits by calling the telephone claim line toll-free at 1-800-309-4232. The Call Center operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CST). Speech and hearing impaired applicants may call the Relay Service of South Dakota at 1-800-877-1113. The toll free number can be used to establish a new or reopen an existing intrastate or interstate claim. All other calls should be directed to your local One-Stop Career Center or the central office in Aberdeen at 1-605-626-2452.

Your call center representative will ask you for the following information:

• Social Security Number
• Names and addresses for all your employers for the last 18 months
• Dates of employment
• Reasons you left each job
• If you were employed in the military during the last 18 months, you will be asked to mail or take a copy of your DD214 to your local One-Stop Career Center; and
  If you’re not a US citizen, you will be asked for your alien registration number.

Unemployment Insurance forms are now online. However, if you wish to file a claim for unemployment benefits, you must call the Telephone Claims Center at 1-800-309-4232 Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.