Nebraska Unemployment

Nebraska Unemployment Insurance Benefits

In Nebraska, unemployment insurance benefits are available for unemployed workers who are laid off or lose employment for other reasons through no fault of their own – or for those who quit their jobs for qualifying reasons, according to state law. 

The Nebraska Department of Labor administers the state’s unemployment benefit program.

Nebraska Unemployment Services

Am I Eligible for Unemployment Benefits in Nebraska?

A final determination of eligibility can’t be made until your claim is submitted, but to be eligible for unemployment compensation, a claimant must typically meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You meet minimum wage or income requirements during your base period for your previous job
• You must be physically and mentally able to work
• You must be available for work four or more days of the week

You are not considered available to work if circumstances such as lack of transportation, childcare conflicts, family care issues, sickness, or injury would prevent you from working. Claimants also are required to maintain an active NEworks registration and searchable online resume while they receive unemployment benefits through the Nebraska program.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How To Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Nebraska

Nebraska requires that all unemployment benefit claims be filed online. For those without Internet access or who have a disability requiring assistive technology, staff at a local Job Center are available to help you submit an initial unemployment claim. You’ll need to set up an online account, complete with username and password, which can be used moving forward to check the status of your unemployment insurance claim and to file your weekly claims for benefits.

You should plan to spend roughly one hour completing your online registration, resume and initial UI benefits claim. If at any time you need technical assistance, you may reach out to the Nebraska Claims Center at 855-995-8863 anytime Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How Do I Manage My Unemployment Benefits?

After you file your initial claim, you’ll also need to file weekly claims online for every week you desire to receive UI benefits. During this process, you’ll answer questions that help verify that you are still eligible to receive a weekly benefit. For example, you may be asked to report on your work search activities for the week or to report any income earned, hours worked, and job offered and declined.

To file your weekly unemployment claim, you can use the same account, username, and password that you set up to submit your initial claim for weekly unemployment benefits.

Filing an Appeal

You have the right to appeal any determination regarding your unemployment claim if you disagree. Any request for appeal must be received within 20 calendar days from the date your determination letter was mailed.

You have a few different options for submitting your appeal:

• You may submit a request for appeal online
• You may submit a request for appeal by email: [email protected]
• You may fax your request for appeal: 402-471-1734

You may submit your request for appeal by mail: Nebraska Appeal Tribunal, Nebraska Department of Labor, PO Box 98941, Lincoln, NE 68509.

Once your request for appeal has been received, you will be notified by the Nebraska Appeal Tribunal of the time and date of your appeals hearing, which will be conducted by conference call. You must participate in your appeals hearing if you’re committed to changing the outcome of your UI benefits decision.

How To Report Fraud

Unemployment fraud cheapens the system by wasting taxpayer dollars and keeping essential UI benefits out of the hands of Nebraska residents who need them most. The Nebraska Department of Labor asks all Nebraska residents to report unemployment fraud, including identity theft scams and fraudsters posing as state workforce agencies to solicit personally identifiable information for fraudulent purposes.

If you suspect someone of fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits, you may email [email protected] with as much information as you can provide. All concerns are taken seriously and investigated to the fullest extent possible.

Nebraska Unemployment Office Locations