Unemployment Benefits

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits in Louisiana. You should be jobless through no fault of your own. You must be able and available for work. You also need to meet the state's earnings or work rules.

• You must not have a job or have only a part-time job. It must be due to reasons beyond your control, like layoffs, business closures, or big cuts in work hours.

• You must be able to work and be ready for employment. You must have no big obstacles. These include a lack of transportation or childcare. They stop you from taking a job offer.

• You should meet the state's minimum earnings requirement. It is usually based on your wages during the "base period." The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. They are before your claim.

Before filing your claim, gather all the necessary information to streamline the process. This usually includes:

• Your Social Security number

• Your driver’s license or state ID number

• Your complete mailing address and phone number.

• Your employment history should include details about each of your employers. It should cover the past 18 months. It should include their contact information, your job titles, and dates of employment. This information helps determine your eligibility and weekly benefit amount.

• Be ready to explain the circumstances of your unemployment. Documentation, such as a separation letter from your employer, can be helpful.

• If you choose direct deposit, have your bank account and routing numbers ready.

The application process is your formal request for benefits. Verify claim details to prevent processing errors. You can apply for unemployment benefits in Louisiana in two ways. You can apply online through the Louisiana Workforce Commission's (LCW) HiRE website. Or, you can apply by phone at 1-866-783-5567. The online method is generally more convenient and is available 24/7.

Online Application:

• Go to the LWC HiRE website.

• Create an account or log in if you already have one.

• Complete the application form with the required information.

Phone Application:

• Call the LWC’s toll-free number at 1-866-783-5567. Please be aware that wait times can vary, and service hours might be limited.

You must submit weekly claims to get benefits. Do this once the LCW approves your application. Each week you must certify that you're still unemployed and meet eligibility requirements. This involves reporting any income earned, job offers, or any work refusals each week. Failing to file these claims can result in a delay or loss of benefits.

Certification Process:

You can usually certify online. Use the same portal where you applied for benefits. Or, certify by phone. Give truthful answers to every single question. The questions are about your employment status, any earnings, and your job search.

To keep getting unemployment benefits in Louisiana, you must hunt for work. You also must track your job search. Each week, you must make a good-faith effort to find work. Keep a detailed record of your job search. It should include employer contacts and dates. You may need to give this information to the LWC. 

Stay attentive to any communication from the LWC:

• You may get requests for more information about your claim. Take prompt action to prevent disruptions to your benefits.

• Interviews or reviews may ask you to take part. They assess your eligibility or job search efforts. Treat these as mandatory to maintain your benefits.

If the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) denies your unemployment claim, you can appeal. This allows you to contest the denial and prove your eligibility.

Here are the steps to navigate the appeals process:

1. Review the Denial Notice. Read it to understand the reasons for your denial and how to file an appeal.

2. File an appeal within 15 days of the notice date. You can file online, by mail, or by fax.

3. Prepare for your hearing. After filing, you'll get a hearing notice with details. Gather necessary documents and evidence. Consider seeking legal advice or representation.

4. Appear at the hearing, offer your proof, and state your case. The employer may also contest your claim.

5. Wait for the decision. The referee or judge will decide based on the evidence. You'll get a written decision by mail.

6. Further Appeals: If denied, you can appeal again within the LWC or to a court. The decision letter will explain how and when to appeal.

Appealing is important if you think the denial is wrong.

For more information, see Unemployment Benefits Appeals. 

You can file an appeal to a decision about your unemployment benefits determination. This guide clarifies the appeal process.

First, understand the process. Review the LWC's decision notice. Note the appeal deadline, usually a few days after you receive the decision.

Next, file the appeal. Submit a written notice to the LWC. Include your details, the decision, and why you disagree. You can file online, by mail, or by fax.

Then, get ready for the hearing. Collect evidence and consider witnesses. Review the hearing's rules, which the LWC or tribunal will provide.

Attend the hearing on time. State your position in a straightforward and sincere manner. Be ready to answer questions.

After the hearing, you'll get a decision in writing. If it's in your favor, your benefits will increase.

If you still disagree, you can appeal to the Board of Review or a court. The LWC's decision notice will guide you.

Follow deadlines, and LWC instructions, and present your case well. Seek legal aid or an experienced employment attorney if needed. For more information, see Finding and Hiring a Lawyer. 

For more information, see Unemployment Benefits Appeals. 

Receiving an overpayment notice of unemployment benefits has serious consequences. Take immediate action to prevent penalties and issues. Here's what to expect and what to do:

1. You must return the overpaid amount to the state unemployment agency. It doesn't matter whose fault the overpayment is.

2. You might face extra fees for false information or underreporting. This refers to penalties and interest.

3. Future Benefit Reduction: The state can deduct from your future benefits. They can do this until you've repaid.

4. Not paying has legal consequences. It could lead to wage garnishment, tax refund seizure, or property liens. Fraud cases might result in fines or prison.

5. Overpayments in collections could hurt your credit. This can make loans, credit cards, or housing harder to get.

If you receive an overpayment notice, take these steps:

• Review the notice. Know the amount, the reason, and how to repay.

• Contact the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LCW) right away. Do this if you find an error or have questions. You can appeal if you disagree or can't afford to pay. For more information, see Unemployment Benefits Appeals. 

• Discuss a repayment plan with the LWC if needed.

• Keep records of all your interactions, payments, and other related activities.

During disasters like hurricanes or floods, Louisiana may start special programs. These programs help workers who have lost their jobs due to the disaster. They might not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

• DUA may provide help if they declare the area eligible for federal assistance. DUA assists those who lost jobs or cannot work because of the disaster. It is for people who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.

• Eligibility: This includes self-employed people, farmers, and dockworkers affected by the disaster.

• Application Period: Submit your application immediately after the program is announced.

• For more information, see Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). 

Regular Unemployment Insurance

• Eligibility Expansion: After a disaster, benefits criteria may relax. You might not need to look for work if you are unable to because of the disaster.

• File your claim as soon as possible, even if the offices are closed. You can often do this online or by phone.

Extended Benefits

• Temporary Extensions: Sometimes, the duration of benefits may be extended during disasters. This gives more financial support while people recover.

Unemployment benefits are taxable in Louisiana and at the federal level. You must report the money. It's from unemployment insurance and on your tax returns.

Federal Taxes

• You can choose to have 10% of your unemployment benefits withheld for federal income tax. To choose withholding, fill out IRS Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request. Then, submit it to the agency handling your unemployment compensation.

• You should get a Form 1099-G from the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Or, you'll get it from whichever state agency paid your unemployment benefits. It should arrive by January 31 of the next year. This form will show the total unemployment compensation paid to you last year. It will also show any federal tax withheld.

State taxes in Louisiana

• Louisiana requires you to report unemployment benefits as income. You must include this on your state tax return. The withholding and reporting process is like federal taxes. However, details and forms may differ.

• Tax Forms and Filings: You'll use the same Form 1099-G to report state income taxes in Louisiana. Include unemployment benefits when filing your state tax return.

Planning for Taxes

• Opt for tax withholding or face quarterly estimated payments. This choice helps sidestep year-end surprises: hefty bills and possible penalties. Unemployment benefits, though taxable, offer flexibility in how you manage your tax obligations.

• Unemployment benefits can shift your tax situation. They count as taxable income. This might change your bracket and eligibility for deductions or credits. Check how these benefits impact your total income when filing. This analysis will help determine your tax liability or refund amount. Prepare in advance to evade unexpected tax season outcomes.

Accurate tax management is crucial when receiving unemployment benefits. If you're unsure how to proceed or need tax planning and filing help, ask a tax professional. You can also use reputable tax prep software. 

For more information, see Tax Relief After A Disaster. 

Yes, you can keep getting unemployment benefits if you move from Louisiana. But you must take specific steps to stay eligible and avoid interruptions. Here's what to do:

1. Update Your Address: Notify the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) of your new address. Access your LWC account or reach out to them. This ensures you receive important notices.

2. After moving, register with the new state's workforce agency. This shows that job search efforts are underway.

3. Keep Filing Weekly Claims: Continue filing claims with Louisiana. You must report job searches and any earnings.

4. Understand Job Search Requirements: Keep looking for work. Meet Louisiana's job search rules and be ready to show your efforts.

5. Consider the impact on eligibility. Accepting a job or refusing offers can cut benefits. If you start working in the new state, report your earnings.

6. Stay in touch with the LWC: Keep communication open with the LWC. Provide swift responses to their requests, preventing potential issues.

Moving out of state while on benefits needs careful attention to meet both states' rules.