MDES – Unemployment FAQs

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Benefits

What is Unemployment Insurance?

Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a program designed to ease the economic burden of unemployment by providing a temporary source of income for individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

Who pays the unemployment tax? 

In Mississippi, employers pay all of the unemployment tax.

How do I file for benefits? 

As soon as you become unemployed, you may file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits online or by calling 601-493-9427. Note: MDES accepts new or reopened unemployment claims Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. However, people who served on active duty in the military or earned wages in another state or a federal agency may continue to file by phone on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can file claims online anytime on this website.

You should be prepared to provide the following information:
1. Your Social Security number,
2. Your complete mailing address and phone number,
3. The names, addresses, and phone numbers for all your employers for the last eighteen (18) months,
4. The dates you worked and the reason you left each employer.
5. Alien Registration number or Visa number, if you are not a U.S. Citizen.

What if I worked in more than one state? Can I file a claim against another state if I live in Mississippi?

If you worked in more than one state you may be eligible for a Combined Wage Claim. The base period wages from all states in which you worked are combined and you may be able to establish a combined wage claim under the law of a single state to qualify for benefits. An unemployment claims representative can explain the options and procedures for filing a Combined Wage Claim if you think you might qualify.

What is a benefit year? 

The benefit year is 52 consecutive weeks. It begins on the Sunday of the week in which your application for benefits is filed. If monetary eligibility requirements are met, your claim will remain in effect for one year. (Note: This does not mean you will receive benefits for a full year).

How is the weekly benefit amount calculated? 

A formula is used to calculate the amount of benefits based upon wages paid to you during the base period. Additionally, in order to be eligible one must have:
1. Worked and received wages in at least two quarters of your base period
2. Earned at least $780.00 in the highest quarter of the base period
3. Earned forty (40) times your weekly benefit amount in your base period 

What is the maximum weekly benefit amount?

In Mississippi the maximum is $235.00 and the minimum is $30.00.

What is a base period? 

The base period is defined as the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters immediately preceding your initial claim for benefits. Benefits are based on your earnings during this period of time.

What if I worked for an employer during the base period and the wages are not shown on my claim?

Once you file a claim for benefits, you will receive a Monetary Determination. The Monetary Determination shows the wages reported by your employer(s) during each quarter of your base period. Study the notice carefully. Be sure that it includes all wages paid during the quarters shown. If you believe that some wages you earned are not shown, you should contact the MDES Call Center and file a request for re-determination.

How long will it take to get my first benefit payment? 

Provided you meet all the eligibility requirements, and you are unemployed through no fault of your own, you can expect to receive your first check after you have filed your second weekly certification. The first week is a waiting period. 

What is a waiting period? 

If it is determined that you are eligible for benefits, the first eligible week that you file a claim will serve as your waiting period week. You will not be paid for this week.

If my claim is established for one year, why did I exhaust my benefits in six months?

The maximum amount of benefits you are eligible for is based on your base period wages. The maximum amount payable on any UI claim is 26 times your weekly benefit amount.

Can child support be deducted from my benefits? 

Yes. The amount deducted from your benefit payment each week is determined by the Department of Human Services. If you disagree with the amount of child support deducted, or if you have any questions regarding child support, you should contact the Department of Human Services.

What if my weekly benefit payment is late? 

Claims are processed Monday through Friday. Depending on when you submit your claim, whether it is online or by using the 2File UI app, you should receive your payment within 5 days from the date you filed your weekly certification.

Can an employer protest payment of a claim? 

Yes. The employer has the same appeal rights that the claimant has.

If I quit my job, or get fired, will I be eligible for benefits? 

Possibly. If it is determined that you were not discharged for misconduct connected with your work, or if you can prove you had good cause for leaving your employment, you may be entitled to benefits.

What does “misconduct” mean? 

Generally, misconduct is an act which is either willful or is an intentional disregard of the employer’s interest.

What are the eligibility requirements? 

To be eligible for UI benefits, one must:
1. Must be unemployed through no fault of your own.
2. File a weekly claim as required – Claims filed late may be denied.
3. Be able to work – You must be mentally and physically able to work your normal work week.
4. Be available for work – You must be ready to go to work. You must be willing to accept full-time work. You must have transportation and have made necessary childcare arrangements. You cannot have barriers or conditions, which prevent you from accepting work immediately.
5. Be actively seeking work – To meet availability requirements you must make a “good faith” effort to find work. An active work search effort is required.

What is an Eligibility Review?

Periodically you will be scheduled to report in person for an Eligibility Review. You will receive a notification that will tell you the date and time to report. At this time, you will be asked to provide at least three places you have looked for work. If you fail to report as scheduled for your Eligibility Review, your claim may be affected.

Must I register for work with the WIN Job Center? 

Yes. Failure to register for work with the WIN Job Center in your area could result in a delay or denial of your benefits.

If I am registered with a union, or a private employment agency, am I still required to register with the WIN Job Center?

Yes. 

If I accept odd jobs, or part-time work, can I still receive benefits? 

Yes. But remember, you must report all wages when earned, not when paid. Your weekly claim form asks, “Did you do any work last week?” If you work, simply report the dates, name of the business you worked for, number of hours worked, and the gross amount you earned during that week.

Do I report my gross earnings or my net earnings on my weekly claim? 

Report your total earnings, before deductions, for the week you actually perform the work, regardless of when you get paid. We will deduct any earnings over $40.00 from your weekly benefit amount.

What if I refuse an offer of work?

If you are offered work, and it is determined that it was suitable work, your benefits may be denied for up to 12 weeks.

What if I go back to work full-time? 

Advise the MDES Call Center of the date you will return to work, or provide the date when filing your weekly claim form..

What do I do if my address changes? 

Notify the MDES Call Center as soon as possible. If you move out of the area, or to another state, you must report immediately to the claims center nearest your new address. Visit our list of Other States’ Labor sites to find the office nearest you. 

Do I have to pay federal income tax on the unemployment benefits that I receive? 

Yes. You can elect to have tax withheld from each benefit payment, or you can wait and pay the tax when you file your tax return.

What should I do if I am separated from my part-time job while filing a claim for benefits as Working Part-Time?

Notify the MDES Call Center as soon as possible after the separation.