Utah residents can file for unemployment insurance benefits if they are jobless through no fault of their own. The state runs the federal unemployment benefits program and issues weekly benefit payments to claimants who successfully complete meet the requirements for unemployment. 

We have compiled helpful information, hints, and tips about claiming unemployment benefits in Utah on this website and FAQs and our free guide. Learn more about unemployment benefits in Utah by reading below, checking out our Utah FAQs, and reading our free guide.

Learn About Unemployment Benefits in Utah

Unemployment benefits in Utah are distributed weekly as either direct deposit payments into a checking or savings account or deposited into a U.S. Bank Reliacard.

The U.S. Bank Reliacard is a popular option for UT unemployment benefits disbursement and replaces the option for using a personal checking or savings account. The state recommends that the card is kept separate from the PIN and that the PIN is known only by the cardholder. In the event that the card’s PIN is lost, it must be reported even if the unemployment case is closed.

Deductions from weekly unemployment insurance benefits can occur when an applicant is receiving retirement income or disability. Individuals applying for these other kinds of benefits must report them immediately to the Claims Center to avoid denial of unemployment benefits. After notifying the Claims Center, the applicant will receive a letter that reflects the amount of weekly unemployment benefits that will be reduced.

Educational assistance is available for those individuals currently claiming benefits for unemployment through programs with the federal government.

Learn About Filing a Claim in Utah

In order to claim unemployment benefits, applicants will have to complete the application process and follow several ongoing requirements in order to maintain UT unemployment insurance eligibility.

Within three weeks of applying, you will receive a “Notice of Monetary Determination”, including the amount of weekly benefits and the total number of weeks you are eligible to be received. This notice also contains information regarding your reported wages.

Therefore, in order to prevent losing eligibility, ensure all employer information is reported accurately. Remember, every week a new Utah unemployment benefits claim must be filed with the necessary employment search information in order to continue receiving benefits.

Recipients of unemployment insurance coverage should receive a notice to complete an online eligibility review, which is typically sent after the first three weeks of receiving benefits. Failure to comply with this process will result in a denial of benefits.

To continue claiming benefits for unemployment in UT, the beneficiary must provide a total list of all work search activities performed during the previous weeks and participation in the Re-employment Services and Eligibility Assessment conducted at an Employment Center. 

Each week, an applicant must apply for at least four jobs to maintain ongoing eligibility for benefits. He or she will be given a form for recording the details about the job search activities. The review process will verify these contacts to make sure the details are accurate with regards to the method of contact, such as website, application, phone, email or in person.

If you apply to different positions within the same organization, each position may count as a separate contact. Make sure to save any correspondence from employers regarding these applications.

How Long You May Receive Benefits in Utah

The state sets a minimum of 10 weeks and a maximum of 26 weeks of regular benefits within 52 weeks of when applicants submitted their initial claim.

Federal unemployment benefits recipients may receive audits that attempt to verify any changes in eligibility status, such as:

• Reported wages during employment.
• Current efforts to search for new work.
• Any current income received after benefit payments start.

If the beneficiary’s unemployment benefits have run out, it is still possible to receive extended benefits depending on the situation. To see if you qualify for an unemployment benefits extension in Utah, speak with your local Claims Center.

If an unemployment benefits claim has been closed because the applicant has found work or failed to keep up with weekly claims reports, it can be reopened by either logging into their online account or calling their assigned Claims Center. The claim will be reopened beginning the Sunday of that week as long as all work contacts, dates and wages are reported accurately.

Learn About Utah Unemployment Benefits and Federal Income Taxes

Are unemployment insurance benefits taxed in Utah? Yes. Utah Workforce Services sends out IRS Form 1099-G during the month of January containing the total benefits paid to the recipient over the previous year.

When an applicant completes the initial unemployment registration application, there is an option to either have 10 percent of the weekly payment withheld for federal income taxes combined with 5 percent for state income taxes. Withholding status can be changed through the Web or by calling your local Claims Center.

Last Updated: March 1, 2023