Continuing Your Missouri Unemployment Benefits

If you are an unemployed worker in Missouri your first step to receiving unemployment benefits is to file a claim for unemployment benefits through the Missouri Division of Employment Security. You can file your Missouri unemployment claim online or by phone. Information about how to file your claim can be found on the Missouri Division of Employment Security's website.

Once your claim has been filed, you will be responsible for searching for a new job. Your Missouri unemployment benefits paperwork will dictate a minimum number of work searches or applications you must complete each week. You will need to document the employers you contacted and keep this information. Your Missouri unemployment benefits may be terminated if you are not able to produce this information if requested. You will be given a form you can use for this purpose or you can print it from the same website you use to submit your application for Missouri unemployment benefits.

To continue receiving your Missouri unemployment benefits you will need to file a weekly claim. This can be done online or by phone. You will be asked to provide information regarding how many days during the past week you were available to work. You will also need to give information about any money you may have earned during the past week. Earning money does not necessarily mean that you will not receive your Missouri unemployment benefits but the amount of your unemployment benefit paid may be reduced by the amount you earned.

In addition to the weekly requirements listed above, you will be required to make in-person visits to your local Missouri career center at assigned intervals in order to continue your Missouri unemployment benefits. You will receive information regarding when you must visit the career center.

During your visit to the Missouri career center you will be required to register online with Missouri Career Source. While you will still need to visit the career center in person, you can do this online work search registration prior to your visit.

Participation in Missouri Career Source a requirement for continuation of your Missouri unemployment benefits but it is also a great tool as part of your job search. Since you will need to have information regarding former jobs and employers to complete the registration you may find it easier to complete this requirement at home prior to your visit.

While you are at your required career center visit you should take a few minutes to learn about the assistance available at the career center. The goal of the career center is to help you find a suitable job quickly so that your unemployment benefits are no longer necessary. You'll find a help wanted board, office equipment available for your use and counselors who can help you. You are not required to use any of these services to continue your unemployment benefits but they are offered free of charge by the State of Missouri to all job seekers.

Missouri unemployment benefits are available only for a limited amount of time. The regular maximum number of weeks that you can receive unemployment benefits in Missouri has been 26 weeks. Special circumstances, such high national unemployment figures, may result in additional weeks of benefits to be paid. If you are near the end of your 26 weeks of unemployment benefits you need to check online to see if extended unemployment benefits are available. You may need to apply for the additional unemployment benefits since they are not always automatic.

Whenever you are receiving Missouri unemployment benefits it is important that you follow all instructions you are given and respond to all requests for information. As a Missouri worker you are entitled to your employment benefits and need to make certain you receive them.