Louisiana Unemployment

Louisiana Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Louisiana’s unemployment insurance benefits program is designed to provide temporary financial support for Louisiana workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Eligibility is determined by requirements set forth by the Louisiana Employment Security Law. UI benefits are determined based on past employment and legal eligibility, not based on financial need.

In Louisiana, employers pay all costs of unemployment benefits through a payroll tax or reimbursable program. Employee wages are not used in any way to finance Louisiana’s jobless benefits program.

Louisiana Unemployment Services

Am I Eligible for Unemployment Benefits in Louisiana?

To be eligible for unemployment assistance in Louisiana, claimants must meet the following criteria:

• No longer working through no fault of your own or work hours dramatically reduced
• Sufficient income earned during the base period for review Louisiana defines your base period as the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you submit your initial claim
• Physically able and available to work
• Actively seeking work – the exception here is if you are laid off, but also have been given a target return-to-work date

Please see the Benefit Rights Information (PDF) for more details.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How Do I Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Louisiana?

The fastest and easiest way for you to submit your new unemployment claim is to submit your claim online through the Louisiana Workforce Commission. You will need a valid email address to set up an account, which can be used moving forward both to check the status of your claim and to complete your weekly certification for unemployment benefits.

After you file your unemployment claim, you will receive a list of available jobs in your area that may match your skills and experience.

Managing Your Unemployment Benefits

Each week that you request an unemployment compensation payment, you will need to verify that you remain eligible to receive UI benefits. To do this, you can use the same account you created to submit your initial claim. Simply sign in and select Weekly Claim Certification from the Unemployment Services menu.

Throughout the process, you will answer a series of questions about your job search activities for the prior week, plus any wages earned and/or any jobs offered that you declined.

Filing an Appeal

Both you and your employer are free to request an appeal of any determination related to your claim. You must do so within 15 days of the mailing date of your determination notice. Your request for appeal may entitle you to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, who will review your claim and issue a new decision.

You have three options for filing an appeal, as outlined below:

• Online: www.LAWORKS.net
• By mail: Louisiana Workforce Commission, Appeals Unit, P. O. Box 94094, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9094
• By fax: 225-342-4223

If mailed, your letter must be postmarked no more than 15 days from the date of your determination notice and must be signed by the person filing the request for appeal. If you file your request by mail, it’s also a good idea to enclose a complete copy of the original determination with your request.

Reporting Fraud

The state of Louisiana strongly encourages you to help stop unemployment insurance fraud throughout the state. Unemployment fraud is a waste of taxpayer dollars, plus it may keep unemployment benefits from truly helping those who need them the most.

If you have any reason to suspect someone of unemployment benefits fraud, you can use the state of Louisiana’s online system to make a report. You can also call 800-201-3362 and report fraud over the phone.

Louisiana Unemployment Office Locations