Oklahoma Unemployment Benefit Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Oklahoma unemployment benefits, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own. This means that you were not fired for misconduct or laid off due to a lack of work.
- Be able and available to work. This means that you are physically and mentally able to work and that you are actively seeking work.
- Have earned a minimum amount of wages during your base period. The base period is the four calendar quarters that ended before the week you file your claim. The minimum amount of wages you must earn during your base period varies depending on your age.
- Meet the “1 and 1/2 rule.” This rule states that you must have earned at least one and one-half times your high quarter wages during your base period.
Exceptions to the eligibility requirements:
- Domestic violence victims: If you were fired or quit your job due to domestic violence, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits even if you do not meet the other eligibility requirements.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): If you were unemployed due to a natural disaster, you may be eligible for DUA benefits.
How to file for unemployment benefits:
You can file for unemployment benefits online or by calling the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) at 405-525-1500. You will need to provide the OESC with your name, address, contact information, and information about your previous employment. You will also need to create an account on OKJobMatch.com and start looking for work.
Benefit amounts:
The amount of unemployment benefits you receive will depend on your earnings during your base period. The maximum weekly benefit amount in Oklahoma is $467.
Benefit duration:
The maximum number of weeks you can receive unemployment benefits in Oklahoma is 26 weeks. However, your benefit duration may be extended if you are unemployed due to a major layoff or other qualifying circumstances.
To learn more about Oklahoma unemployment benefits eligibility requirements and how to file a claim, please visit the OESC website.