SIMPLE GUIDE
Unemployment: applying and weekly claims
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What to do next
Read DES’s application guide, gather your employment information, and start an initial claim through its official link.
See how to apply for unemploymentOfficial site · new tab
Keep in mind
The initial application does not replace weekly claims or guarantee payment. DES decides eligibility; follow the instructions for your case.
How it works
Unemployment Insurance may provide temporary benefits after job loss through no fault of your own, if you meet DES rules.
- File the initial claim
Start with DES’s official CACTUS application link.
- File weekly claims
Follow wage-reporting and work-search instructions for each week claimed.
- Check DES messages
Respond to requests and read your eligibility decision.
Sources and review date
Official sources reviewed: