Receive Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fast With Direct Deposit
What is direct deposit?
Direct deposit is the electronic transfer of Unemployment Insurance (UI) payment into
a personal bank account. Direct deposit is a safe, convenient and fast way to receive benefits. When direct deposit is chosen as the payment method, the bank account holder is giving the Department of Labor Workforce Development (DOLWD) permission to credit the designated bank account.
What do I need to sign up?
The 9 digit bank routing number, bank account number and the account type; checking or savings. Use a personal check or contact the bank to obtain this information. The routing and account numbers may appear in different places on a personal check. If uncertain, contact the bank to get the correct routing number, account number and to verify the bank accepts electronic fund transfers.
How do I sign up?
Login to my.alaska.gov ‘Unemployment Insurance Benefits’ to start, change
or re-activate a direct deposit account. Or sign-up for direct deposit through the telephonic filing system called "VICTOR" and choose option #3.
Must my bank be located in Alaska?
No. Deposits may be transferred to almost any bank, credit union or savings and loan located in
the United States. Contact the bank for specific questions regarding their direct deposit procedures.
How long does it take to verify my account information?
Sign up as soon as possible to avoid delays. Verification can take 10 to 14 days.
When can I expect my payment to be deposited to my bank account?
After a bi-weekly claim for benefits is filed, payment will usually be available three to five days later. File timely to receive benefits timely. Payments will not be transmitted on state or federal holidays, banking holidays or weekends.
Who do I contact if my deposit is not posted to my account?
Verification of the status of payments can be viewed online at my.alaska.state.ak.us . Click on ‘Unemployment Benefits’, ‘Claim Status’ or call VICTOR and choose option #2. For additional assistance contact the claim center. Claim center contact information is available in the UI Claimant Handbook online.
What record will I receive of my UI deposits?
Monthly bank account statements will report all direct deposits made to the account.
Can I participate in Direct Deposit if I have a joint checking or savings account?
Yes. However, DOLWD is not able to release UI payment information to the other party of the joint
account. Choosing direct deposit as a payment method authorizes DOLWD to deposit
UI benefits into the bank account entered. DOLWD’s liability of UI benefits ends once the
money is deposited.
Can part of my payment be deposited in my checking account and the remainder be deposited in my savings account?
No. DOLWD can only deposit payments to one account type.
