Where to file and what you need before you start

North Dakota's unemployment program is run by the Department of Labor and Human Resources (DLHR), and you file directly with them—not through a federal office or a third party. You can file online through their website, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest and lets you track your claim status when ready.

Before you start, gather these documents: your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, your most recent pay stub, and the names and dates you worked for each employer in the past 18 months. If you were laid off or had hours cut, have the reason ready to explain. If you quit, you'll need to explain why. The DLHR uses this information to determine whether you meet the program's requirements.

You can file as soon as you become unemployed—there's no waiting period before you submit your claim. However, there is a one-week waiting period after your claim is approved before you can receive your first payment. This means filing early matters: the sooner you file, the sooner that waiting week starts.

Key Takeaways

  • File through the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Resources online at www.nd.gov/labor, by phone at 701-328-2868, or by mail to their Bismarck office.
  • Have your Social Security number, ID, recent pay stubs, and employment history from the past 18 months ready before you begin.
  • You can file when ready after losing your job; there is a one-week waiting period after approval before payments start.
  • The DLHR will contact your former employer to verify your employment and reason for separation, which typically takes one to two weeks.
  • You must report your weekly earnings and job search activities once you start receiving payments, or your benefits may be reduced or stopped.

Filing online through the DLHR website

Go to www.nd.gov/labor and look for the "Unemployment Insurance" section. Click on "File a Claim" or "New Claim." You'll create an account with a username and password, then answer questions about your employment history, reason for separation, and current situation. The form takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number and an email with your claim details. Write down your confirmation number—you'll need it to check your claim status or contact the DLHR later. The system will tell you when to expect a decision, usually within one to two weeks. During this time, the DLHR contacts your employer to verify the information you provided.

Filing by phone or mail if you can't go online

Call the DLHR at 701-328-2868 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and file your claim over the phone. You'll receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

If you prefer to mail your claim, contact the DLHR to request a paper form, or read it from their website. Mail it to the Department of Labor and Human Resources, Unemployment Insurance Division, 1000 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505. Paper claims take longer to process—usually two to three weeks—because they must be manually entered into the system.

What happens after you file

The DLHR will send you a letter confirming receipt of your claim within a few days. This letter includes your claim number and instructions for what to do next. If the DLHR needs more information from you, they will contact you by phone or mail. Respond promptly—delays in providing information can slow your claim.

Your former employer will receive a notice asking them to confirm your employment dates, wages, and reason for separation. If your employer disputes your claim—for example, if they say you were fired for misconduct rather than laid off—the DLHR will investigate. They may ask you for more details or schedule a phone interview. This process can add one to two weeks to your decision time.

Once the DLHR makes a decision, they'll send you a letter stating whether your claim was approved or denied. If approved, the letter will show your weekly benefit amount and the date your payments begin. If denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

Your weekly reporting requirements

Once you start receiving benefits, you must report your weekly earnings and job search activities every week. North Dakota uses an online system called UI Online where you log in and answer questions about hours worked, wages earned, and jobs you applied for that week. You must file your weekly report by the important date shown in your approval letter, usually by Sunday or Monday of each week.

If you work part-time while receiving unemployment, report those earnings. The DLHR reduces your benefit payment based on how much you earned that week. If you fail to file your weekly report on time, your payment will be delayed or stopped until you file it. If you don't report for two weeks in a row, your benefits may be terminated.

If your claim is denied

If the DLHR denies your claim, the denial letter will explain the reason. Common reasons include: you quit without good cause, you were fired for misconduct, or you don't meet the earnings requirement (you must have earned at least $1,500 in your base period, which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed).

You have 10 days from the date of the denial letter to file an appeal. You can appeal online through UI Online, by phone, or by mail. An appeal hearing is usually held by phone within two to four weeks. You'll have a chance to explain your situation to a hearing officer, and your employer may also present their side. The hearing officer will make a new decision based on the evidence presented.

How much you'll receive and for how long

Your weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings during your base period, which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed. North Dakota calculates this as roughly 50 percent of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount that changes each year. The DLHR website shows the current maximum on their Unemployment Insurance page.

You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks in a benefit year, which runs from July 1 to June 30. If you find work, your benefits stop. If you're still unemployed after 26 weeks, you may be able to extend your benefits through a federal program, but this depends on the state of the economy and federal law at that time. The DLHR will notify you if an extension becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my first payment after I file?

The DLHR typically makes a decision within one to two weeks. Once approved, there is a one-week waiting period before your first payment is issued. So you can expect your first payment three to four weeks after filing, though it may be faster if your employer confirms your information quickly.

Can I file if I was fired?

You can file, but whether you receive benefits depends on the reason. If you were fired for misconduct—such as theft, violence, or repeated rule violations—you won't may have access to. If you were fired for poor performance or a mistake, you may still may have access to. File and let the DLHR investigate; your employer's statement is not the final word.

What if I'm self-employed or a contractor?

Self-employed workers and independent contractors do not may have access to for regular unemployment benefits in North Dakota. However, during certain federal emergency periods, special programs have been available. Check the DLHR website or call 701-328-2868 to ask whether any programs are currently open for self-employed workers.

Do I have to report job search activities every week?

Yes. You must report the jobs you applied for or contacted each week. Keep a record of the company name, date, and position. If you're unable to work due to illness or other reasons, report that instead. Failing to report job search activities can result in a reduction or loss of benefits.

What if I move out of North Dakota while receiving benefits?

Contact the DLHR when ready to report your move. You may still receive North Dakota benefits if you're looking for work in another state, but you must follow that state's job search rules and report to their unemployment office as well. Some states have reciprocal agreements with North Dakota that make this easier.