Oregon Unemployment Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Unemployment insurance is an important safety net for those who have lost their jobs. In Oregon, the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program is administered by the Employment Department. If you are unemployed or have had your hours reduced, you may be eligible for UI benefits. Here is everything you need to know about Oregon unemployment insurance:

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for UI benefits in Oregon, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. You must have earned wages in Oregon during the base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters).
  2. You must have earned at least $1,000 in wages during your base period.
  3. You must be unemployed through no fault of your own.
  4. You must be able and available for work.
  5. You must be actively seeking work and keeping a record of your work search activities.

If you meet these requirements, you may be eligible for UI benefits. However, there are some circumstances in which you may be disqualified from receiving benefits, such as if you quit your job without good cause or if you were fired for misconduct.

How to Apply for UI Benefits

To apply for UI benefits in Oregon, you can file a claim online through the Employment Department’s website. You will need to provide your personal information, employment history, and wage information from your base period. Once you have filed your claim, you will need to continue to file weekly claims to receive benefits.

How Benefits are Calculated

The amount of UI benefits you are eligible for is based on your earnings during your base period. In Oregon, the maximum weekly benefit amount is $673, and the minimum weekly benefit amount is $151. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated by taking your highest-earning quarter during your base period and dividing it by 25.

You can receive UI benefits for up to 26 weeks, although this may be extended during periods of high unemployment.

FAQ

Question
Answer
How long does it take to receive benefits?
It typically takes about three weeks to process your claim and receive your first payment.
What if I am self-employed?
Self-employed individuals are not typically eligible for UI benefits, although there are some exceptions. You may be eligible if you were previously an employee of a business and became self-employed within the past year.
What if I work part-time?
You may still be eligible for UI benefits if your hours have been reduced. Your benefits will be reduced based on your earnings from part-time work.
What if I am receiving severance pay?
If you are receiving severance pay, it may affect your eligibility for UI benefits. You will need to report any severance pay you receive when filing your claim.
What if I am denied benefits?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can request an appeal in writing within 20 days of receiving the decision. You will have a hearing with an administrative law judge, who will make a decision based on the evidence presented.

Conclusion

If you have lost your job or had your hours reduced, unemployment insurance can provide some financial relief while you search for new employment. In Oregon, the UI program is administered by the Employment Department, and benefits are based on your earnings during your base period. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for UI benefits online and receive weekly payments for up to 26 weeks. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the Employment Department for assistance.