You must be totally or partially unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must have earned sufficient wages in your base period and been paid wages in two or more calendar quarters of your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the start date of your claim, or alternatively the last 4 quarters). Also, you must be able and available for full-time work.

You can apply online. If you do not have access to the internet, go to your local claims office to use the computer kiosks. A listing of the various offices can be found on the last page of the Claimant Handbook.

Your weekly benefit amount is calculated by dividing your highest base period quarter wages by 21. There is a maximum weekly benefit amount set for each calendar year, which can be found on the State of Hawaii Unemployment Insurance page.

The length of time that you will receive benefits is also based on how much you made during the base period, but not more than 26 weeks.

You must continue to file weekly. Also, you must continue to be able and available for full-time work. You must actively seek employment, while keeping a record of your work search activities. You must use the Record of Contacts Made for Work form To be actively seeking work, you must make at least three employer contacts each week you file for benefits. You must register for work with the State Workforce Development Division within 7 days of your initial application, and you must post an online resume on HireNet Hawaii. Finally, you must accept suitable work.

You must appeal within 10 calendar days from the date the decision was mailed to you. Your appeal must be in writing, and it may be submitted by mail or in person. Also, you must keep filing your weekly claims regularly because you will only be paid for weeks you filed if you win your appeal.

Visit the Hawaii State Website

Read the Claimant Handbook