Filing your claim for unemployment benefits will go faster if you have the following important documents before you begin.

What do I need to apply?

You will need:

• Your Social Security number OR Alien Number and expiration date (if you are not a U.S. citizen).
• Work history from the past two years, including:
  • Employer information (gather any W-2s or pay stubs)
  • Total wages
  • Employment dates
  • Pay rate
• Information about why your job ended.
• Information about any separation pay or retirement income you get.
• Your bank routing number and account number to set up direct deposit. If you do not choose direct deposit, your benefits will be paid on a DES debit card.

Former Federal Employees and Military Personnel

In addition to the required documents listed above, you must provide more information if you are in one of these groups.

Former Federal Employees

Your SF-50 form, SF-8 form, pay stub(s) or W-2 (if you worked in federal employment within the past two years). If you don’t have this information, you may provide it later. Please go ahead and file your claim.

Former Military Personnel

Your DD214, Member 4 Copy. If your DD214 is not available, you may provide it later. Please go ahead and file your claim.