
How do Unemployment Insurance Benefits work in Montana
- Make sure you meet all benefit requirements before you apply. You must meet minimum wage earnings in your Base Period,...
- Apply for unemployment insurance if you meet all the requirements. To file an initial claim you can do so online here.
- Determine the amount and duration of your benefit. Your benefits are...
Full Answer
How to contact Montana unemployment?
Montana Unemployment Phone Numbers. Hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Biweekly claims using Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) at 444-9800. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Report Unemployment Fraud by fax at (406) 444-6651; or by phone at (406) 444-1709. More information on how to contact and ...
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Montana?
- Recipients must have lost employment through no fault of their own.
- Recipients must have earned sufficient wages during the base period—the first 12 months of the 15 months prior to filing a claim.
- Recipients must be unemployed or partially employed and earning less than their weekly unemployment insurance benefits.
How qualifies for Montana unemployment insurance benefits?
- Is a bona fide member of the Montana National Guard at the start of the semester for which the student is enrolling;
- Has been certified as a Montana National Guard member in good standing by the Adjutant General;
- Does not hold a baccalaureate degree or higher; and
- Meets all admission requirements of the institution.
How do you file for unemployment in Montana?
- You must have worked and been paid wages for employment in at least two of the quarters in your base period,
- AND have been paid at least $1,872 in wages in one of those quarters,
- AND the total wages paid in your base period must equal one and a quarter times your highest quarter wages.

How do I collect unemployment in Montana?
How to File a Claim for Unemployment Benefits in Montana. You may file your claim for unemployment benefits online or by phone. You can find online filing information and telephone contact information at the website of the Unemployment Insurance Division of the Montana DLI.
How do I file my weekly unemployment claim in Montana?
On-line or via telephone using the Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) at 444-9800. Both systems are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you go on-line or call the IVR to request payment of benefits, you will be asked questions for each of the weeks you request payment.
How long does it take to get unemployment in MT?
The first eligible week of a new claim is a Waiting Week. You must request payment for that week even though you will not be paid. Your claim will become inactive if more than 14 days pass between payment requests.
Who is eligible for pandemic emergency unemployment compensation in Montana?
Montana will no longer participate in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. PUA presently provides benefits to the self-employed, the underemployed, independent contractors, and individuals who have been unable to work due to health or COVID-19 affected reasons.
How do I file a Pua in Montana?
Self Employed, Contractors, and other individuals may qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The user-friendly application can be accessed by going to mtpua.mt.gov and clicking on “Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” or by clicking on the blue button below.
Can you collect unemployment if you are fired?
In general, unemployment benefit programs provide temporary income to people who are out of work due to no fault of their own. If someone was fired due to misconduct or violation of company policy, they might be ineligible to collect unemployment.
How do I know if my unemployment claim was approved?
Once your application has been approved, the Department of Labor will send a “Monetary Determination” with information on your weekly benefit amount. After making your claim, it will take between two to three weeks to receive it. Delays may be caused if the state needs additional information before sending payment.
Is there a waiting week for Montana unemployment?
The applicant can also file by calling Claims Processing at (406) 444-2545, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note – The state of Montana has a one week waiting period during which the applicant will not receive unemployment benefits despite applying for them.
What's the most I can get in unemployment?
The majority of U.S. states offer unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks. Benefits range from $235 a week to $823. Policies and benefits vary by state. Mississippi has the lowest maximum unemployment benefits in the U.S. of $235 per week, while Massachusetts has the highest at $823.
Is Montana UI still paying?
How It's Changing: Beginning June 27, 2021, Montana will no longer be issuing MEUC benefits.
Did Montana suspend unemployment benefits?
— Montana is ending its participation in the federal unemployment program that gives people extra weekly unemployment benefit payments as the state struggles with a worker shortage, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Tuesday.
Did Montana do away with unemployment?
Montana is ending its expansion of unemployment benefits — including a $300 weekly increase in aid — more than two months early. Some fear that other states will take similar measures before the labor market recovers. Montana is opting to end its participation in federal unemployment programs on June 27, Gov.
How to apply for unemployment in Montana?
You can apply for unemployment benefits online at the Montana Works website or by "visiting" a Job Service Montana office. During the COVID-19 outbreak, those offices are closed to visitors, but government employees are still providing services remotely. You can apply for benefits during your first week or partial week of unemployment, although you won't receive any benefit payment for that initial week even if you're eligible. The application will ask for the following information:
How long does it take to appeal a Montana unemployment claim?
To do so, you'll need first to request a redetermination from the Department of Labor & Industry. You have 10 days from the date of your initial determination to make your appeal through Montana Works. Further appeals are available from the Office of Administrative Hearings via its website.
What does Montana Department of Labor and Industry do?
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry will then make a determination of how much your employer has paid you recently in eligible wages and how much your unemployment benefit is likely to be.
Why is it important to get unemployment benefits?
When times are tough and you've lost your job , it's important to get all the financial support you can. Unemployment benefits are a vital resource that can give you money at the most critical time. By doing so -- as well as taking additional steps to make sure you can stay in your home and cover monthly bills -- you'll put yourself in the best possible position to get through the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How long does it take to get unemployment?
Some claimants can get 28 weeks of unemployment benefits, but not everyone will qualify for the full 28 weeks. The Department of Labor & Industry will tell you how long you can expect to receive benefits and the amount you're likely to get. However, the CARES Act extends that period by 13 weeks, allowing you to collect unemployment benefits ...
How to file unemployment in Montana?
To file an initial claim you can do so online here. Filing online can take place 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week. You can also file a claim at any Job Service Montana Office during normal business hours. To find your nearest Job Service Montana location, go here, or check your local phone book.
How much is the Montana unemployment benefit?
Currently, the most you can receive each week is $487 per week; the minimum amount you can receive is $139 per week.
How to determine the amount of unemployment benefits?
Determine the amount and duration of your benefit. Your benefits are generally determined by the amount of wages you earn during your base period. Your base period is based on the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters immediately preceding the beginning of your benefit year. You will receive a monetary determination after your initial application that will detail how much and how long you will receive UI benefits.
What is the Montana unemployment program?
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Unemployment Insurance Division administers Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits for the state of Montana. The UI program pays short-term benefits to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own.
How long can you receive unemployment benefits?
These limits are adjusted from time to time for inflation. You can receive benefits for up to 28 weeks. The Base Period is the 12-month period used to determine your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) and the number of weeks you may be paid benefits.
How does unemployment work in Montana?
How do Unemployment Insurance Benefits work in Montana. Make sure you meet all benefit requirements before you apply. You must meet minimum wage earnings in your Base Period, have an acceptable reason why you are unemployed and other related requirements. Apply for unemployment insurance if you meet all the requirements.
How often do you have to meet eligibility requirements for unemployment?
You must meet all eligibility requirements every week that you file to claim UI benefits.
What does "no" mean on unemployment?
“No” means you accepted all work available during this week.
What is the administrative penalty for overpayment of unemployment benefits?
Administrative Penalty – Imposed when you did not provide important facts or correct information to get or increase benefits. The penalty is 50% of the overpaid benefit amount. You may also be disqualified from getting future benefits for up to 52 weeks.
Can I get UI benefits while attending school?
You might be eligible for UI benefits while attending school or training. Your coursework or training will be reviewed based on its capacity to improve your employability or increase your earning potential.
Do you have to respond to UI claims?
You must respond to all requests for information from UI, even if your claim is inactive . Not responding could result in a benefit Overpayment and/or denial or delay of future payments.
Can I get UI if I am not a US citizen?
If you are not a U.S. citizen or national, you must provide a copy of the front and back of your registration card so your status can be verified by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Do employers decide who gets unemployment benefits in Montana?
Employers do not decide who gets benefits. UI reviews information provided by both you and your employer to determine if you are eligible based on Montana law and rule.
How many assessment tests are there in Montana?
Montana employers now have the option of utilizing over 800 assessment tests to be used as another tool in designing an employee recruitment system.
When is unemployment due in 2021?
You obtain employment and work for at least four (4) weeks for a single employer. Your Employment must be obtained from May 4, 2021 through October 31, 2021. Return to Work Bonus.
How long do you have to report an accident to your employer?
You must give notice within 30 days after the occurrence of the accident.
What is a disability program?
Program designed to assist individuals with disabilities obtain employment.
What is a free workforce program?
A free workforce program that connects Medicaid enrollees with high quality workforce training, employment services, and job openings in local communities.
Does Montana have a poster mandate?
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry has responded to employers' needs by making it easier to obtain posters mandated by laws for posting.
Does Montana have UI fraud?
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry takes UI Fraud very seriously; all reports of potential, alleged, or suspected fraud are thoroughly reviewed and investigated accordingly.
How often do you have to file Montana unemployment?
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.
How long do you have to appeal a federal unemployment claim?
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.
How many quarters do you have to be unemployed to be eligible for unemployment?
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.
What is unemployment in Montana?
Montana Unemployment Insurance (UI) Division provides temporary financial assistance for workers if they have lost their job or work hours without a fault of their own. This assistance is temporary and only provides partial financial support. To receive UI benefits in Montana you will need to file weekly claim and job search report. You can file your initial and subsequent weekly claims through an easy-to-use online system.
Who manages Montana unemployment?
Montana UI benefits are managed by Montana Unemployment Insurance Division. You can learn more about it here.
How do I contact unemployment?
For any queries about online application or UI benefits, you can directly call Unemployment Insurance Division by dialing (406) 444-3783. For personal assistance on anything regarding UI benefits, you can simply contact a local agency near you. Use this ' agency locator ' ...
What happens after you file for unemployment?
After you file your application, all information will be verified. Your previous employer will be asked about reasons of your separation from the job. If found eligible for UI benefits, you will receive your weekly benefits in your bank account. You will provide your bank account details in your application.
Can I get my unemployment benefits biweekly?
You will receive your benefits in your bank account through direct deposit. However, you may request for bi-weekly benefits. Visit this link and login to the online system to access relevant application.
Can I reactivate my unemployment claim?
You may have to reactivate your claim if you found a job which you lost within your eligibility period to receive UI benefits again. You can reactivate your claim by visiting this link.
What is the law in Montana regarding unemployment?
Montana State law determines eligibility of Un employment Insurance in Montana, the amount of compensation, and the amount of time benefits can be collected.
What happens if a claimant refuses to look for work?
If a claimant refuses to look for work, compensation will be suspended.
Can self employed workers get paid?
Self-employed workers, freelance workers, and contractors are generally not eligible for compensation. However, if your business is registered and pays into payroll tax, these requirements can be met.
Can you be considered unemployed if you quit?
A person must have lost employment involuntarily in order to be considered "unemployed". Individuals who quit, or leave due to a strike are usually ineligible for State compensation. *Claimants who were employed in another State must file for benefits in that State.
What is the unemployment appeal process?
1. The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Process. The following is meant to provide a brief description of the unemployment insurance (UI) appeal hearing process. It is intended to inform, not to advise. The statements contained herein do not have the force and effect of law or rules and regulations. If you do not fully understand ...
Where is the telephone hearing for unemployment?
An in-person hearing is held in Helena. In a telephone hearing, the parties and their witnesses testify over the telephone.
Who conducts the unemployment hearing?
An unemployment insurance (UI) hearing is conducted by an impartial Hearing Officer in the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) who acts as a judge would in a courtroom hearing (except in this case, the atmosphere is much less formal).
Who is the claimant in a UI hearing?
The CLAIMANT is the one who can receive benefits. The other party in the hearing may be an EMPLOYER or it may be the UI Division itself. Parties to a hearing are called the APPELLANT (the one who appealed) and the RESPONDENT (the one who is "answering" the appeal).
