How to File for Unemployment in Hawaii

Have you recently lost your job in Hawaii, or have your work hours been cut? If you worked in Hawaii, you may be able to apply for unemployment benefits in Hawaii. Read on for information on how to file for unemployment in Hawaii.

Unemployment Tax in 2010

Hawaii's unemployment rate reached a low of 2.2-3.2% in 2007, and the unemployment insurance trust fund reached a high of $552,000,000. As a result, unemployment insurance taxes were lowered from $280 per employee to $90 per employee. Because of the current recession, and increasing unemployment rates (7.2% in August 2009), the unemployment trust fund is forecast to run dry by the end of 2010. To prevent this, the taxes on employers will be increased from the 90 per employee to over $1,000 per employee in April 2010.

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Introduction

If you have lost your job in Hawaii, you will need to file for unemployment benefits. Unemployment claims in Hawaii are administered by the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. You should file your application as soon as you become unemployed, as benefits are not retroactive.
Step 1: Determine If You Qualify for Hawaii Unemployment
- To qualify for unemployment benefits in Hawaii you must either be totally or partially unemployed through no fault of your own. This may include:
1. Being totally laid off from your regular job
2. Having your work hours reduced
To qualify you must:
1. Have had employee status at your former job; independent contractors are not eligible for unemployment
2. Have an minimum amount of work and wages leading up to unemployment
3. Be actively seeking work, making at least three job contacts a week
4. Be available for work
5. Register with the Hawaii Workforce Development Division within 7 days of applying for unemployment
Step 2: What You'll Need to File for Hawaii Unemployment
You'll need to provide the following information when you apply for Hawaii unemployment benefits:
1. Name, address, phone
2. Gender, marital status, number of dependents, and years of education
3. Birthdate and place of birth
4. Information about citizen or legal immigration status
5. Detailed information about all employment, full-time or part-time, for the past 18 months beginning
6. Other sources of income, including Social Security retirement and disability benefits, workers compensation, and pension
7. Previous unemployment benefits received
8. Any physical or mental handicaps
Step 3: How to File for Hawaii Unemployment

You can file for unemployment in Hawaii online or by phone. Within Hawaii, call 643-5555 to apply by phone, and call 1-877-215-5793 from outside of Hawaii.
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