How do I file for unemployment benefits in Louisiana?

Q: How do I file for unemployment benefits in Louisiana?

Louisiana unemployment is administered by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) under La. R.S. § 23:1471 et seq. 1. How and When to File - File online at louisianaworks.net through the HiRE (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) system. - File the first week of unemployment. - A one-week waiting period applies. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $10 to $275 per week (2025) — among the lowest WBA caps in the country. - Calculated as approximately 1/25th of average wages in 4 highest quarters. - Maximum 12 to 26 weeks based on statewide unemployment rate per 2024 legislation (Act 412 of 2024) — when the unemployment rate is below 5%, max is 12 weeks; scaling up to 26 weeks at high rates. 3. Eligibility Requirements (La. R.S. § 23:1600) - High-quarter wages of at least $1,200 . - Total base-period wages of at least 1.5× high-quarter wages. - Wages in at least two quarters of the base period. - Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct connected with employment (§ 23:1601(2)) or voluntary quit without good cause connected with employment (§ 23:1601(1)). - Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work . 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 3 work search contacts per week . - Must register at HiRE within the first week. - Maintain a detailed log. 5. Certifying for Benefits - File a weekly certification through HiRE or by phone. - Earnings less than your WBA reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar above the partial earnings disregard. 6. Appeals - Appeal a denial within 15 days of the determination mailing. - Hearings are with Administrative Law Judges. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Louisiana unemployment is administered by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) under La. R.S. § 23:1471 et seq.

1. How and When to File

File online at louisianaworks.net through the HiRE (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) system.

File the first week of unemployment.

A one-week waiting period applies.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $10 to $275 per week (2025) — among the lowest WBA caps in the country.

Calculated as approximately 1/25th of average wages in 4 highest quarters.

Maximum 12 to 26 weeks based on statewide unemployment rate per 2024 legislation (Act 412 of 2024) — when the unemployment rate is below 5%, max is 12 weeks; scaling up to 26 weeks at high rates.

3. Eligibility Requirements (La. R.S. § 23:1600)

High-quarter wages of at least $1,200.

Total base-period wages of at least 1.5× high-quarter wages.

Wages in at least two quarters of the base period.

Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct connected with employment (§ 23:1601(2)) or voluntary quit without good cause connected with employment (§ 23:1601(1)).

Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 3 work search contacts per week.

Must register at HiRE within the first week.

Maintain a detailed log.

5. Certifying for Benefits

File a weekly certification through HiRE or by phone.

Earnings less than your WBA reduce benefits dollar-for-dollar above the partial earnings disregard.

6. Appeals

Appeal a denial within 15 days of the determination mailing.

Hearings are with Administrative Law Judges.

This is legal information, not legal advice.