South Dakota Unemployment Insurance

Am I Eligible?

You must

• be able and available to accept work
• be actively seeking work, unless we’ve told you otherwise
• be registered with your states designated workforce agency
• have participated in all re-employment activities as directed by your local South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation office

What do I need to file my claim?

• Social Security Number
• Driver’s license number or other state identification number
• Your employment history for the last 18 months, including: each employer’s name, address and phone number, dates of employment, pay rate and reason you are no longer employed
• The name and local number of your union hall, if you obtain work through the union.
• Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a U.S. Citizen.
• Your SF-8 and SF-50 forms if you are a federal employee.
• Your DD214 if you served in the military.
• If you worked for Non-South Dakota employers you must have an accurate mailing address and telephone number for them.

How to apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

File online

• Go to the official website to apply for your benefits 
• Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

File by phone

• Call the Claims Call Center at 605.626.3179
• For TTY (teletypewriters) service, dial 711 or 800.877.1113, and the translator services are available on request.
• Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. (Central Time) 

For more information, read the FAQs to know more about how to file for a claim in South Dakota.