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

You can apply online, in person at a WIN Job Center, or over the phone at 1-601-855-3133.

Your weekly benefit amount is determined by dividing your high quarter earnings by 26 and rounding the answer to the next lower dollar. Your weekly benefit amount, however, cannot be less than $30 or more than $235. For more information, use the Employment Security Department’s Weekly Benefits Amount Table.

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 online. You must register for work at the Employment Service in your area. 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. To be actively seeking employment, you must make at least three employer contacts each week you file for benefits. Finally, you must accept suitable work.

You must appeal within 14 calendar days from the date the decision was mailed to you. Your appeal must be in writing. To file an appeal, you should report to the claims center or itinerant point where proper forms and information are available, or you can submit your appeal by mail. 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 State of Mississippi Website

Read the Claimant Handbook