If you are a resident of Missouri and have recently lost your job, filing for unemployment is an important step towards insuring you have an income while you search for a new position. Understanding what documentation is needed and how to file for unemployment in Missouri is key to making the process less stressful.

Unemployment is condition of those who are able to work but unable to find work. Unemployment is is sometimes uncontrollable due to other factors such as a downturn in the economy, natural disasters, seasonal layoffs or other reasons. However, those who are out of work but not trying to find a job will not be considered for unemployment benefits.http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/unemployment.aspx Not having a job can be frustrating, but filing for unemployment can help with the financial aspects until one can be found.

Missouri unemployment is a joint program of the federal government and the state of Missouri. Missouri unemployment benefits are limited to 4% of the average of your two highest quarters of base period earnings. The 2010 amount for the maximum weekly benefit is $320 per week.http://www.labor.mo.gov/DES/Claims/faqs_web.asp

In order to be eligible for Missouri unemployment benefits, you must:

1. Have worked as an employee in Missouri in covered employment
2. Earned wages of at least $1,500 in one quarter out of four calendar quarters preceding the current quarter; there must be wages in the three quarters of at least $750.
3. Be involuntarily unemployed, and not have been fired for cause.http://kansascity.about.com/od/communityinformation/p/MOUnEmployment.htm

Before you apply for unemployment compensation in Missouri, you'll need to should assemble all the necessary information you will need to file the claim. This includes:

1. Your Social Security number, name, address, and phone number
2. A separation letter or notice,with the reason for your job loss, if your former employer issued one
3. Information on all employers for the previous 18 months, including:
   1. Names and addresses
   2. Dates employed
4. Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration statushttp://kansascity.about.com/od/communityinformation/p/MOUnEmployment.htm

1. You can file for Missouri unemployment online at www.moclaim.com, 24 hours a day, except between 11:30 PM on Saturday and 12:31 AM on Sunday, Central Time.
   1. Individuals who worked out of state, for a Federal employer, or who served in the military for the preceding 18 months cannot file online and must appear in person.http://www.labor.mo.gov/DES/Claims/faqs_web.asp
2. You can file for Missouri unemployment by telephone from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, except holidays.
   1. You must call from a touch-tone phone.
   2. To file a Claim, press 1.