What can I do when I cannot access my claim on MontanaWorks.gov, and I cannot get through to the Claims Center?
There have been an unprecedented number of claims for unemployment insurance filed in just the last few days. Wait times may be longer than usual, and you may encounter difficulties accessing your claim online. DLI is adding resources as quickly as possible to address COVID-19 related issues in a continuing effort to provide the best possible customer service to the people of Montana. Please do not call the state COVID-19 telephone hotline with your unemployment questions.
COVID-19 unemployment claims will be backdated if you were unable to file for unemployment benefits due to system outages, or an inability to get through on the phone line. Your claim will be backdated to the first day you tried to file on MontanaWorks.gov or call the UI Claims Processing Center.
Last Updated 4/13/20
FIRST, write your individual Claimant ID on any documents you plan to send.
The best way to send documents that include personally identifying information (PII) is to use the Montana’s secure email process. You can send documents through ePass Montana at https://app.mt.gov/epass/Authn/selectIDP.html. All you need to do is:
The next best option is to send it by fax to (406) 444-2699.
Finally, you can mail your information to us. Do not send originals, only copies, we do not return any of the documents you send us.
Our mailing address:
Unemployment Insurance Division
PO Box 8020
Helena, MT 59604 -8020
I received a message that my claim is pending, and no further action is required on my part, what should I expect next?
This means that we currently have all the information we need from you. Your next action is to file your weekly payment requests. You can do that every week, beginning on Sunday. You have 7 days to file that request.
Last Updated 4/14/20On the MontanaWorks landing page in the “UI Account Information” tile, click “Forgotten PIN?” at the bottom of the box.
Enter the required information on the “Reset PIN” screen. If you have not set a Security Word, this field was formerly Mother’s Maiden Name.
The last answer provided for Mother’s Maiden Name would be entered in this field.
Enter your new PIN and confirm it before clicking Submit. A banner will appear that says, “Unemployment Insurance PIN successfully reset.”
Last Updated 4/17/20On the MontanaWorks landing page in the “UI Account Information” tile enter your PIN under “Manage Direct Deposit.” If you have forgotten your PIN, please follow the directions for the PIN reset.
If you have no direct deposit information on file, a screen will appear that says, “No active direct deposit account found.” Click “Edit Direct Deposit Information.” In the window that appears, enter and confirm your bank account and routing numbers, and whether the account is checking or savings.
After submitting, a confirmation window will appear.
If you have direct deposit information on file, a window will appear that displays the last four digits of your bank account and routing numbers, and whether the account is checking or savings.
To re-direct benefits to a different banking account, choose “Edit Direct Deposit Information.”
To permanently delete your direct deposit information and switch to receiving benefits via paper check and USPS, select "Remove Account Information." If you choose to "Remove Account Information," you cannot switch back to receiving benefits via Electronic Funds Transfer.
Last Updated 4/17/20I have questions about Unemployment Insurance benefits for the self-employed and independent contractors.
If you have not yet tried, go to www.MontanaWorks.gov and click on “Apply for Unemployment Benefits” to create an account and begin the process.
If you have tried a claim and were stopped or had problems completing the claim, those issues have been remedied. You can now log back in and complete your claim.
Please visit this website for updates on Unemployment Insurance for self-employed, Independent Contractors and others, and when we will begin processing these new claims: http://dli.mt.gov/self-employed-contractors.