Unemployment Insurance
File for UI benefits here
NOTE: You will need your myAlaska login and password in order to file. If you no longer remember your myAlaska password, please reset it before beginning application. Here is the number to the myAlaska help desk: (866) 377-0126. It is located on the "HELP" tab of myAlaska.
Due to high call volumes, the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim Centers is experiencing an increase in waiting time to speak to a claim center representative. The increase can be attributed to the seasonal nature of Alaska’s job market when winter months have a higher rate of unemployment. UI Claim Center hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Individuals needing to file a new claim, reopen an existing claim, or check the status of a claim are encouraged to use our online filing system by clicking "File for UI benefits here" above. If you receive a confirmation number at the end of your claim application, there is nothing else you need to do to establish your claim.
We are processing claims as quickly as possible, and a representative will contact you if additional information is required. Please do not call the claim center to check the status of your claim.
Identity Verification
The new identity verification security feature, that was scheduled to be released on December 16, 2024, and become part of the online Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits claim application process has been delayed while staff work on previously unknown technical issues. Another notification will be posted once the new system becomes available.
Relay Alaska for the deaf and hard of hearing:
If you need assistance with your unemployment claim, dial 711 from inside Alaska or (800) 770-8255 (toll-free) from outside the state. We are an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
For additional options please visit Alaska Relay.
If you need an interpreter
The UI Claim Centers provide free interpreter services on request to file for your unemployment insurance benefits. Call Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Spanish (Español)
Las oficinas de Reclamos de Seguro de Desempleo tienen a su disposición servicios de intérprete gratuitos, pregunte por este servicio al solicitar sus beneficios de desempleo. Llame de lunes a viernes de 10 a.m. a 3 p.m.
Tagalog
Ang Unemployment Claim Centers ay nagbibigay ng libreng serbisyo ng isang interpreter kung inyong hihilingin para mag-file ng inyong benepisyo dahil sa pagkawala ng trabaho. Tumawag mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes sa pagitan ng 10 a.m. at 3 p.m.
Anchorage: (907) 269-4700
Fairbanks: (907) 451-2871
Juneau: (907) 465-5552
Have you been laid off from your job and need training for a new career?
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development has grant funds available to help with training expenses. Contact your nearest Alaska job center to inquire about the Dislocated Worker Grant. For more information, call a job center near you.
Worker resources
Workers who have become unemployed or working less than full-time hours should apply for UI benefits as soon as possible. Once you file your claim for benefits, your eligibility determination can be made – resulting in a timely payment of benefits.
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
If you have ever been laid off from a job due to the impacts of international trade or foreign outsourcing of your job under a petition certified by the U.S. Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), you may still be eligible for important lifetime training and other benefits. To learn more, visit https://jobs.alaska.gov/taa. If you have questions, contact your local Alaska job center, or send an email to dol.taa@alaska.gov.
Filing
- UI Claimant Handbook
- UI terms and definitions
- UI Online Help Guide (PDF)
- UI General Information Brochure
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Benefit calculator (PDF)
- Federal employee information
- School District employees
Work search
All workers are required to register for work and to actively seek and report weekly work searches to be eligible for benefits. Failure to register for work or to report required work searches can potentially result in the denial of benefits. A convenient Work Search Log (PDF) is available for recording keeping.
Payment methods
The procedures and policies of Alaska’s UI program are based on Alaska statutes and regulations. Alaska administers different types of UI programs — and when available, State Extended Benefits and Federal Extensions.
Report UI fraud
Alaska law provides severe penalties for attempting to collect benefits fraudulently. Reports of Fraud or suspicion can be reported by email at uifraud@alaska.gov; fax at (907) 269-4835; or phone at (907) 269-4880 or toll free at (877) 272-4635.
Employer resources
Employers can obtain information about the UI Tax program and collection of UI taxes in the Alaska Employer Tax Handbook (PDF). To file tax reports, submit tax payments, view account balances and payment history, log in to the online employer services site.
Tired of filling out paper UI forms? SIDES and SIDES E-Response is your solution! read more about the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES).
