Oregon Unemployment Benefit Eligibility Requirements

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

• Worked in Oregon for a covered employer for at least 500 hours or earned at least $1,000 during your base year. Your base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the week you file your initial claim.
• Are able to work and available for work. This means that you are physically and mentally able to work and that you are willing to accept suitable work when offered.
• Are actively seeking work. This means that you are taking steps to find a job, such as submitting applications, attending job fairs, and networking with people in your field.

You must also meet certain weekly eligibility requirements each week that you claim benefits. These requirements include:

• Be unemployed or underemployed. This means that you are not working full time or that you are working part time but your earnings are less than your weekly benefit amount.
• Be able and available for work.
• Be actively seeking work.

There are some exceptions to these eligibility requirements. For example, you may be eligible for benefits if you were laid off due to a reduction in force, if you were fired for reasons beyond your control, or if you are unable to work due to a qualifying illness or injury.

You can apply for unemployment benefits online or by calling the Oregon Employment Department. Once you have applied, your claim will be reviewed to determine your eligibility. If you are approved, you will start receiving benefits the following week.

Additional eligibility requirements for certain groups of claimants:

• Voluntarily quit your job: You may be eligible for benefits if you quit your job for good cause, such as if you were being harassed or discriminated against.
• Self-employed: You may be eligible for benefits if you have been self-employed for at least two years and have paid unemployment insurance taxes.
• Discharged from the military: You may be eligible for benefits if you were discharged from the military in the past 18 months and either are living in Oregon or are regularly working or looking for work in Oregon.

If you have any questions about your eligibility for unemployment benefits, you should contact the Oregon Employment Department.