How do I file for unemployment benefits in Missouri?

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

Missouri unemployment is administered by the Missouri Department of Labor — Division of Employment Security under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 288.010 et seq. 1. How and When to File - File online at uinteract.labor.mo.gov or by phone. - File the first week of unemployment . - A one-week waiting period applies. 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $35 to $320 per week (2025). - Calculated as 4% of two highest base-period quarters' wages, ÷ 2 . - Maximum 8 to 20 weeks based on the statewide unemployment rate (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 288.060(7)) — Missouri's 2022 law tied duration to the unemployment rate, making it one of the shortest durations in the country at low unemployment levels. 3. Eligibility Requirements (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 288.040) - Wages in at least two quarters of the base period. - Total base-period wages of at least 1.5× high-quarter wages and at least $2,250 total. - Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct connected with work (§ 288.050.2) or voluntary quit without good cause attributable to the employer. - Be able and available for work . 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 3 work search contacts per week . - Must register at MoJobs.mo.gov within the first week. - Keep a detailed log. 5. Certifying for Benefits - File a weekly request through UInteract. - Earnings up to 20% of WBA are disregarded. 6. Appeals - Appeal a denial within 30 days of the determination notice. - Hearings are conducted by Appeals Tribunal Referees. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Missouri unemployment is administered by the Missouri Department of Labor — Division of Employment Security under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 288.010 et seq.

1. How and When to File

File online at uinteract.labor.mo.gov or by phone.

File the first week of unemployment.

A one-week waiting period applies.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $35 to $320 per week (2025).

Calculated as 4% of two highest base-period quarters' wages, ÷ 2.

Maximum 8 to 20 weeks based on the statewide unemployment rate (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 288.060(7)) — Missouri's 2022 law tied duration to the unemployment rate, making it one of the shortest durations in the country at low unemployment levels.

3. Eligibility Requirements (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 288.040)

Wages in at least two quarters of the base period.

Total base-period wages of at least 1.5× high-quarter wages and at least $2,250 total.

Lost work through no fault of your own — not discharged for misconduct connected with work (§ 288.050.2) or voluntary quit without good cause attributable to the employer.

Be able and available for work.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 3 work search contacts per week.

Must register at MoJobs.mo.gov within the first week.

Keep a detailed log.

5. Certifying for Benefits

File a weekly request through UInteract.

Earnings up to 20% of WBA are disregarded.

6. Appeals

Appeal a denial within 30 days of the determination notice.

Hearings are conducted by Appeals Tribunal Referees.

This is legal information, not legal advice.