Indiana guidance. Status unknown, call to confirm.

Lost a job or work hours in Indiana

File for unemployment as soon as you become unemployed, then file a voucher every week. The state decides your claim and how much it pays; this guide does not.

1. Step 1: File your claim in Uplink now

   Indiana says to file as soon as you become unemployed. All unemployment claims are filed online in Uplink. Have an email address, your ID and Social Security number, and your last employer's name, address, phone and dates of work.

   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “File an initial application for benefits as soon as you become unemployed.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: Unemployment for Individuals says: “All claims for unemployment insurance benefits must be filed through Uplink, the online filing system.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “A valid email account – your email address will become your Uplink Username.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “Driver’s license or valid ID, address, Social Security number, date of birth and phone number.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “Last employer’s name, mailing address, phone number, dates of employment and reason you are unemployed.” (checked 2026-10-15)

2. Step 2: Get help filing online

   You must apply online with a computer, tablet or smartphone. WorkOne offices help in person, by appointment and virtually; call 1-888-436-9092. For claim questions, call DWD at 1-800-891-6499. Call to confirm hours.

   • Indiana DWD: WorkOne Locations says: “individuals must apply for unemployment benefits online using a computer, tablet or smart phone.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: WorkOne Locations says: “WorkOne offices are open, serving customers in person, by appointment and virtually.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: Contact DWD says: “Call us at 1-888-436-9092 or use the chat feature on our job seekers page” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: Contact DWD says: “Phone : 1-800-891-6499” (checked 2026-10-15)

3. Step 3: File a voucher every week

   File a voucher in Uplink every week, starting the week after you apply. A claim week ends Saturday at 8:59 p.m. Eastern time. Keep filing even while a problem or appeal is pending, and report any money you earned that week.

   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “You must file a voucher WEEKLY through the online filing system (called Uplink).” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “Submit your weekly voucher the week following your initial application and each week thereafter.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “The week runs from Sunday, 12:00 a.m. to Saturday, 8:59 p.m. Eastern time.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “You should file a weekly voucher even if you have an issue delaying your benefits or are appealing a decision.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “Remember to report any income earned during the week a voucher is filed.” (checked 2026-10-15)

4. Step 4: Do two work searches each week

   Complete two work search activities each week and keep a written record. Save confirmation emails or other proof for six months. Check the notice or call to confirm.

   • Indiana DWD: Work Search says: “Complete two Work Search Activities each week.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: Claimant Handbook (PDF) says: “Your weekly search for work must include at least two work search activities during every week in which you file a weekly claim” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: Work Search says: “Keep a written record of your weekly Work Search Activities” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: Work Search says: “Save all confirmation emails or documentation for six (6) months after the work search activity occurred” (checked 2026-10-15)

5. Step 5: Know what happens after you file

   Within 10 business days you should get a Monetary Determination. It shows a possible weekly amount; it is not a decision on your claim. DWD says a decision should come within 21 business days if there are no issues. The first week is an unpaid waiting week. Check Uplink every day.

   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “Within 10 business days of filing, you will receive a Monetary Determination of Eligibility form.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “Instead, it is a statement providing a possible weekly benefit amount and an overall maximum benefit amount” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “Eligibility should be determined within 21 business days of filing if there are no issues with your claim.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: Claimant Handbook (PDF) says: “A one week waiting period will occur after you file your initial claim.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: Claimant Handbook (PDF) says: “You will not receive benefits during the waiting period.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana DWD: File for Unemployment says: “We encourage you to check your claimant homepage on Uplink daily throughout this time.” (checked 2026-10-15)

6. Step 6: Watch for fake messages

   DWD will not send a text or email asking you to click a link to get benefits. Do not give your Uplink password or Social Security number through a link.

   • Indiana DWD: Report Unemployment Fraud says: “DWD WILL NOT send a text or email message asking you to click a link to receive benefits or any type of payment.” (checked 2026-10-15)

7. Step 7: Update food and health benefits

   Unemployment pay counts as income for SNAP. To apply for or manage SNAP, cash help or Medicaid, use the Benefits Portal or call DFR at 800-403-0864. You can apply for health coverage online, by phone, by mail or in person.

   • Indiana FSSA DFR: SNAP (Food Assistance) says: “Most common income is countable, including earnings, unemployment compensation benefits, Social Security” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana FSSA DFR: Contact DFR says: “Apply for or manage benefits : SNAP (food assistance), TANF (cash assistance), Medicaid (health coverage)” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana FSSA DFR: Contact DFR says: “Online through the Benefits Portal” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana FSSA DFR: Contact DFR says: “Benefits information: toll free 800-403-0864” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana Medicaid: Apply for Coverage says: “You can apply in person, online, by mail, or by phone.” (checked 2026-10-15)

8. Step 8: Call utilities before the shutoff date

   If a utility bill is due, call the utility right away and ask about a payment arrangement. Indiana's utility regulator says to contact the utility before the disconnection date. For other local help, dial 2-1-1 or 866-211-9966, any time.

   • Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission: Customer Assistance says: “Call your utility immediately and ask” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission: Customer Assistance says: “customers must contact the utility prior to the date of disconnection.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana FSSA: Indiana 211 says: “Dial 2-1-1 or 866-211-9966 (available 24/7)” (checked 2026-10-15)

9. Step 9: If your claim is denied

   An appeal must be filed within 15 days from the sent date on the Determination of Eligibility. The Indiana unemployment denial guide on this site walks through the appeal. Check the notice or call to confirm.

   • Indiana DWD: File an Appeal says: “within 15 days from the “sent” date on the Determination of Eligibility” (checked 2026-10-15)

Status unknown, call to confirm. Call DWD at 1-800-891-6499 with claim questions.

• Indiana DWD: Contact DWD says: “Phone : 1-800-891-6499” (checked 2026-10-15)

Not legal advice. The agency or program decides what applies to your situation.