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How To File For Unemployment In Louisiana

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When And How Will I Be Paid My Weekly Unemployment

Filing for unemployment benefits in Louisiana: How it works

Benefits are paid either by debit card or direct deposit in Louisiana. You can decide which method you prefer when you file your initial claim.

Debit card

If you select a debit card, you will receive it from U.S. Bank soon after you file your claim. Youll need to follow instructions to activate your card, which you should do as soon as you receive it.

If youve already received a debit card from a past claim, youll use that one again instead of receiving a new card. If you need to replace a lost or expired card, or have any issues, contact U.S. Bank at 274-0354 or 282-6161.

If you meet all eligibility requirements, a deposit will be made to your debit card each week. It generally takes three to four days after you file your weekly claim before you can access benefits through the debit card. You can always check the balance by calling the customer service number listed on the card.

Your debit card will remain current for three years after it is issued and can be used repeatedly if you file additional unemployment benefit claims.

Direct deposit

If you choose to receive your benefits through direct deposit, your funds will be deposited into your bank account or any financial institution that you choose. Youll need to supply the Louisiana Workforce Commission with your banking information, which will be kept strictly confidential.

The American Rescue Plan Act

This COVID-19 relief package added $300 per week to state unemployment benefits. The Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation provision offered independent contractors or self-employed individuals who earned at least $5,000 in their most recent tax year an extra $100 per week.

The American Rescue Plan Act also extended PUA and PEUC benefits through September 6, 2021. Even though these benefits are all set to expire, they may be extended if unemployment rates remain high.

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How Long Can You Continue Receiving Unemployment Benefits In Louisiana

You are entitled to collect unemployment benefits for 26 weeks out of the 52 calendar weeks, commencing with the first week you filed the claim. In situations where the rate of unemployment is high, the Extended Benefits Program allows you to enjoy more benefits. The CARES Act also prolonged this period by an additional 13 weeks, which allows up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits collection.

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Vaccine News In Your Inbox

A section of that law states that officials “shall take take such action … to secure to this state and its citizens all advantages available under the provisions of the Social Security Act that relate to unemployment compensations.”

The three federal programs that Louisiana is jettisoning were enacted through the Social Social Security Act, the lawsuit states.

Therefore, by refusing those payments, the state is taking “actions which contradict the spirit of, and attempt to repeal and replace, existing law governing unemployment benefits,” the lawsuit argues.

The lawsuit also argues that Louisiana is violating the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution for its disparate treatment of recipients of federal pandemic assistance. It argues that the jobless payments primarily benefit women, minorities and impoverished people, and have come under scrutiny for no legitimate government purpose.

Edwards agreed to opt out of the federal programs, five weeks ahead of their official expiration date, in exchange for support from GOP lawmakers and business groups for a modest, long-term hike to the states weekly unemployment benefits.

Those programs include the $300-a-week payments, known as Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Pandemic Unemployment Assistance , covering “gig workers” and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation , which allowed people to receive jobless benefits past the state’s 26-week limit.

Can I Receive Unemployment After A Car Accident If I Cant Work

Unemployment Benefits Louisiana: What You Need to Know ...

Unfortunately, the requirements to claim unemployment benefits include your physical ability to work, your willingness to work, and your active search for employment. If you are injured in a car crash and physically cannot work, you are not eligible for employment benefits. A personal injury lawyer in New Orleans, LA can explain your options for compensation after a collision, including short-term disability and filing an auto insurance claim.

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How Long Can I Collect Unemployment Benefits

In Louisiana, you are entitled to claim benefits for up to 26 out of 52 calendar weeks, beginning with the week you filed your claim. When unemployment rates are high, you may also be able to receive more benefits under the Extended Benefits Program.

However, the CARES Act extends that period by 13 weeks, allowing you to collect unemployment benefits for up to 39 weeks.

When To File Louisiana Weekly Unemployment Claims

Weekly claims forms must be submitted for each payment period. In Louisiana the earlier you submit a claim, the quicker you will receive payment. For biweekly claim forms, there may be two separate forms to be submitted for each week in the Louisiana benefit period. Be sure to submit both forms when filing a biweekly claim.

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Claim Denials Or Discrepancies

All Louisiana unemployment insurance claims are processed through the computer software HiRE program. The system automatically calculates your benefits eligibility based on the information you provide. Your employers are contacted and asked to verify the information. You could be denied benefits if you dont meet all eligibility criteria, if a former employer disputes your claim, or if the information you provide is inaccurate or incomplete. If you are denied unemployment insurance benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision. However, if it is determined that you provided false information or withheld relevant information, you may face prosecution and legal penalties, including fines and/or imprisonment.

Unemployment Site Down Until Wednesday Lwc Updating System

How To File Unemployment Claim Video Louisiana #COVID19Resources #LAWorks

BATON ROUGE Theres more trouble for people on unemployment, with some complaining theyve been locked out of accessing their accounts online since Saturday.

Every week, people collecting unemployment benefits must file their claim and provide proof that they are actively looking for work. This ensures that they remain eligible for unemployment benefits. This weekend claimants started to notice they were unable to do so.

It says its under construction, Cynthia Groover said. I tried to claim on the phone. I cant claim on the phone. I cant do anything and my claim date was yesterday.

Instead of filing their claims, heres what people see online:

The site is currently unavailable while the Louisiana Workforce Commission updates the Unemployment Insurance provisions for the American Rescue Plan. Once complete, all services will be available including the ability to file for your weekly certification for Unemployment Insurance benefits. Unemployment Insurance payments will be processed following your weekly certification before the end of the week. The Call Center will be unavailable during this time as well.

I was thinking it would be back up by midnight and it wasnt, she said.

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How Much Money Will I Receive On Louisiana Unemployment Benefits

Louisiana pays unemployment benefits claimants between $10 and $247 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks. The total amount is calculated based on your wages received during the base period.

The maximum claim period may be extended during periods of unusually high unemployment. For example, Louisiana allowed people to receive benefits for more than 26 weeks under the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation scheme.

Documents And Information Needed During Filing

When filing for unemployment, you will need the supply the following documents and information as a part of the application.

  • Your name and contact information
  • Social Security Number
  • Drivers License or State ID number
  • Name, address, phone number, and job-site locations for all employers you worked for during your base period
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, provide your Alien registration number
  • If you belong to a union, provide your union hall name and number
  • If you served in the military at any time in the past 18 months, provide a copy of your Form DD214, member 4
  • If you were a federal civilian employee, provide a copy of your Form SF-8 and SF-50.

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Weekly Certification And Maintaining Eligibility

The LWC requires that benefit recipients keep their initial eligibility status throughout the time they receive benefits. Additionally, benefit recipients have to show a good faith effort to find work. To monitor this, the state requires you to file a weekly claim, also known as certifying weekly.

You must file a claim certification weekly, regardless of whether or not your claim has been approved. If you have filed an appeal, it is especially important to continue filing weekly certifications- this will ensure that you are paid for eligible back weeks.

Claim certifications may be filed online or phone . Both resources will allow you to file for, and check the status of, weekly claim certifications.

Weekly claim certifications must be filed Sunday through Friday before 4:00pm in order to ensure your next weekly compensation check. You must file for your very first payment the Sunday immediately after youve filed a claim .

When you certify, youll receive a number of questions intended to determine your eligibility status. The questions will focus on several topics including:

  • Whether you are able and available to work suitable employment
  • Whether you have started or quit a new job
  • Whether you are looking for work
  • Whether you have refused an offer of suitable employment
  • Whether you have earned any wages or reportable income during the benefit week

If you have earned wages, you must report it for the week in which you worked, not the week in which you received payment.

How Do I File For Unemployment Benefits In Louisiana

How to apply for unemployment in La. during COVID

Before you file a claim, you will need to gather several pieces of information:

  • Social Security number
  • Employers names, addresses, and phone numbers, including any part-time or staffing agency work you may have done for the past 18 months
  • The start and end dates for current/most recent employer
  • If you are not a US citizen, you will also need your Alien Registration Number.
  • If you served in the US military during the preceding 18 months, you will also need your DD-214 Member Copy 4 form.
  • If you worked for the federal government during the preceding 18 months, you will need your SF-8 form, if available.

To file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits in Louisiana, you can call the states Unemployment Insurance Call Center at 1-866-783-5567, or you can file a claim online. This applies both to initial claims and ongoing weekly claims.

For assistance in filing a claim and job search services, you can also visit one of the states Business and Career Solution Centers. You can use the LWCs Local Office/Services locator tool to find the office nearest to you.

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Initiating A Ui Claim

No matter how deserving and eligible a Louisiana worker is for unemployment benefits, the money is not going to drop out of the sky into the person’s bank account. The individual must initiate a claim with the LWC, then continue to make weekly claims. While it is possible to file an initial claim by phone, it may be difficult to get through in times of high unemployment. Even if a caller does get through, they are likely to be put on hold and may wait for long periods of time.

All in all, it is easier to file an initial UI claim online with LA Works. Look for the topic Unemployment Claims and click on File a Claim. Before doing that, it’s a good idea to gather the information you’ll need to file a UI claim in Louisiana. This includes personal information like name, address, phone and SSN, as well as work-related information.

Gather the names, addresses, job-site locations and phone numbers for all employers for the past year and a half. Claimants also need their wage information and backup documentation like tax documents. After answering fully and honestly all of the questions in the claim application, a claimant needs to certify at the end of the form that the information provided is true. This is made under penalty of perjury, meaning an individual can get in serious trouble for providing inaccurate information.

How To Appeal A Denial Of Unemployment Benefits In Louisiana

If your unemployment claim is denied, you have 15 days to appeal the decision. After receiving your appeal request, the Appeals Unit of the Louisiana Workforce Commission will schedule a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge , at which you can present evidence and witnesses. Hearings are typically held by phone.

If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision after the initial hearing, you can request an appeal by the Board of Review within 15 days. And, if you disagree with the Board’s finding, you may file an appeal in court within 15 days.

For more information on the unemployment process, including current eligibility requirements and benefits amounts, visit the Louisiana Workforce Commission website.

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How Can I Sign Up For Unemployment In Louisiana

Applicants can file for unemployment in Louisiana either online or over the phone. If you want to know how to apply for unemployment online, just visit the HiRE portal on the Louisiana Workforce Commission website and follow the prompts to file an online unemployment application. Once your request for unemployment benefits is granted, you can use the same application method on a weekly basis. You can also file for an unemployment claim over the phone, utilizing a touch-tone keypad. Throughout the over-the-phone application process, you will be provided with the opportunity to input and correct information, but if you hang up before completing a claim, you will need to start over again. When you first file a claim over the phone, the state will issue you a PIN number, which you will use to access your information.

Why Would My Unemployment Claim Be Denied Or Disqualified

How to File for Unemployment in Louisiana

Even if you earn enough wages in your benefit period to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, there are other reasons why you might be denied or disqualified. The Louisiana Employment Security Law says you cannot receive benefits under any of these circumstances:

  • You left your employer without good cause.
  • You were fired for misconduct or illegal activities related to your employment. This includes the use of illegal drugs and/or alcohol. Misconduct shall include discharge for either on- or off-the-job use of nonprescription controlled substances.
  • You fraudulently seek or receive benefits to which you are not entitled.
  • You did not apply for available and suitable work as directed by LWC, or you did not accept suitable work that was offered to you.
  • You are unemployed due to a labor strike where you were employedif you are participating in or stand to profit from the dispute.
  • You seek or receive benefits from another state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, or Canada.
  • You receive wages in lieu of notice, compensation under the workers compensation law, payments under any pension plan toward the cost of which a base period employer is contributing or has contributed in your behalf, vacation pay, severance or dismissal pay, or holiday pay. However, if the amount of money you received through these is less than the weekly benefit amount you would receive, you will be paid the difference.

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How Unemployment Works In Louisiana

  • Before you apply, you must meet all eligibility requirements. This includes both monetary and nonmonetary requirements. You must have earned enough wages during your base period and you must have lost your job through no fault of your own, among other requirements.
  • If you meet all requirements, then you can apply for UI benefits. To file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits in Louisiana, you can call the states Unemployment Insurance Call Center at 1-866-783-5567 or you can file a claim online.
  • After you apply, and if your application is approved, you will receive a determination letter. This letter will detail how much your benefit payments will be and for what duration. You have the right to appeal the determination if you feel there are any errors.
  • Keep filing claims for every week youre out of work. You can only be paid for those weeks that you claim. Youll be paid either through funds that are loaded onto a debit card or through direct deposit at the bank or financial institution of your choice.
  • Conduct an ongoing job search. Youre required to look for full-time work while drawing benefits. You must contact at least three different employers each week and also keep detailed records of your job search efforts.
  • You can file an appeal if you are denied benefits. If youre denied or disqualified from receiving benefits, you can request an appeal to challenge your eligibility determination.
  • Applying For An Unemployment Benefits Extension In Louisiana

    Louisiana Unemployment Extensions Information

    Finding a job can be difficult, and under certain conditions, the federal government will allow unemployed workers to file an application for a Louisiana federal unemployment extension. The extension allows the worker to claim additional benefits past the time limit set by the state.

    If you do not know how to get an unemployment extension and find yourself wondering, What can I do to extend unemployment? please review the following subjects:

    • What is the federal unemployment extension program, and how does it work in Louisiana?
    • Extended benefits eligibility qualifications
    • Applying for an unemployment benefits extension in Louisiana

    Louisiana Unemployment Resources

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    How Much Can You Receive As Unemployment Benefits In Louisiana

    According to LWCs secretary, Ava Dejoie, $247 is the maximum weekly benefit you can receive in the state, one of the least countrywide. There are various factors taken into consideration while calculating these benefits, but generally, they are calculated by: Determining the average of an applicants total base period employment salary, taking 1/25th of this average, multiplying the result by 1.05 and increasing the outcome by 1.15. Workers may also be entitled to receive an additional $600 weekly as per the federal stimulus bill, through the end of June, in unemployment benefits. And this comes as part of the $2 trillion relief package passed by the congress.

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