Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

Learn How To Apply For Unemployment Claims With Our Guide

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Applicants who have never filed usually wonder how to claim unemployment benefits, amongst other pertinent issues regarding an application. Approved candidates must continue registering for work to receive federal unemployment benefits in Montana.

Claiming benefits for unemployment, the limitations on benefits and federal income taxes are some of the different features governed by the regulations set forth by the state and federal government.

Learn About Claiming Benefits for Unemployment in Montana

After claiming benefits for unemployment in MT, the UI petitioner will be mailed a “Monetary Determination,” which explains how much money he or she will receive. In addition, it shows how much unemployment insurance money the petitioner will receive if eligible. Furthermore the determination letter will relay the applicant’s effective start and end dates, which is a one-year period through which benefits are available. A claimant’s unemployment insurance coverage will end after he or she has exhausted all available funds or after the year has passed, whichever comes first. Depending on the state of the national economy, a beneficiary may be eligible to receive an unemployment benefits extension.

As part of the unemployment benefits claim, the former worker should review the Monetary Determination for accuracy via the internet. All base period wages should be listed, including wages from any federal, military, or out-of-state employment. Those categories of wages will show as pending. The federal unemployment benefits claimant needs to contact the Claims Processing Center if he or she believe the wages or employers listed are wrong, missing or otherwise inaccurate. Inaccurate wages could cause the claimant to receive either a benefit underpayment or overpayment. If the Monetary Determination indicates the applicant is ineligible for unemployment insurance due to a lack of qualifying wages, he or she may request that his or her wages be adjusted from “as paid” to “as earned.” Candidates need to contact the Claims Processing Center to discuss this option.

How to File Weekly for Unemployment Benefits in Montana

To claim unemployment benefits in Montana, the former worker must request benefit payments online for each week he or she wants they want to receive aid. The UI week commences on a Sunday and ends Saturday at midnight. Wait until after midnight on Mountain Standard Time on Saturday to request payment of benefits for the previous week. The applicant has seven days after the benefit week ending to submit an unemployment claim payment request.

When claiming benefits for unemployment, the UI petitioner will be asked these questions:

  1. Do you want to file for week ending ________?
  2. Did you quit or get fired from a job this week?
  3. Did you take time off or miss scheduled work for any reason this week?
  4. Did you apply for work?
  5. If work had been available, were you physically and mentally able to work?
  6. Were you available to work this week?
  7. Did you attend school or were you in training this week?
  8. Were you referred for a job interview by Workforce Services (Job Service) this week?
  9. Did you refuse any work during the week?
  10. Enter the total number of hours you worked this week. If the claimant reports hours, they will be asked to enter total earnings for hours worked this week even if they have not been paid yet. Include tips and room and board if it is part of the salary.
  11. Enter total earnings for paid time off this week.
  12. Enter total earnings for being on all this week.
  13. Enter the amount of bonus pay received this week.
  14. Enter the amount of commission pay received this week.
  15. Will you be paid for a holiday that occurred this week?

If a recipient does not file the unemployment benefits claim weekly, he or she will stop receiving payments. The claim becomes inactive after two weeks, and the petitioner will no longer meet qualifications for unemployment. However, an applicant must respond to all requests for information from the Department of Labor even if the claim is inactive. Not responding could result in a benefit overpayment or deny or delay future payments, should the recipient opt to reopen the unemployment claim.  If the former employee wants to request benefit payments again, he or she must reactivate the unemployment benefits claim. Reactivating the claim can be done online or by calling the Claims Processing Center.

The UI petitioner may work part-time and still be eligible for partial unemployment insurance benefits if they meet all eligibility requirements. Earnings up to 25 percent of the Weekly Benefit Amount do not reduce the payment. After that, the WBA will be reduced by 50 cents for each dollar earned.

The following payments should be reported during the filing of the initial unemployment claim: separation/severance pay and application for or receipt of retirement pay, disability benefits or pension, including Social Security, self-employment earnings, sole proprietors and working members of partnerships and LLCs and agricultural workers.

In claiming benefits for unemployment, other deductions may reduce the applicant’s weekly benefit amount:

  • Child support payments
  • Income Tax withholding
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) overpayment
  • Repayment of overpaid benefits

Montana federal unemployment benefits are taxable by the federal government. The claimant can have 10 percent withheld from his or her weekly payment for tax purposes. This option is available online or in documents mailed to the claimant. There is no Montana state tax on benefits. In January, UI beneficiaries will be mailed Form 1099-G, which reports benefits paid to the claimant in the previous calendar year.