Losing a job is a gut punch. One day you’re in a routine, and the next, you’re staring at a laptop screen wondering how the bills are getting paid. If you are sitting in St. Louis, Kansas City, or anywhere in between, the first thing on your mind is probably: how do I file unemployment in Missouri?
It sounds like it should be easy. It isn’t always. The system has its quirks, and if you mess up a single digit or miss a deadline, you’re looking at weeks of "pending" status while your bank account drains.
Honestly, the Missouri Department of Labor (DOLIR) has made some big changes recently. As of January 1, 2026, the old "waiting week"—that annoying seven-day period where you didn't get paid—is effectively gone for new claims. This is huge. It means you can actually get paid for that first week of being out of work, provided you meet the requirements.
The First Step: Don't Wait
The biggest mistake? Waiting. People think they should wait until their final severance check clears or until they’ve had a few days to "decompress."
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Don't.
Your claim starts the week you file it. If you got laid off on Friday and you wait until the following Monday to file, you’ve just lost a week of eligibility. Missouri doesn't do "back pay" just because you were too stressed to log in. You need to get into the UInteract system immediately.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you even open the website, gather your stuff. If you have to keep stopping to find a phone number or a date, the session might time out, and you'll have to start over. It's frustrating.
- Social Security Number: Obviously.
- Employment History: You need the names, addresses, and dates of every employer you’ve worked for in the last 18 months.
- The "Why": Why aren't you working? Be honest. If it was a layoff, say so. If you were fired or quit, the process gets stickier, but don't lie. They check.
- Banking Info: If you want a direct deposit (and you do), have your routing and account numbers ready. Otherwise, they'll send you a debit card, which takes longer to arrive.
How Do I File Unemployment in Missouri Online?
The portal is called UInteract. You’ll find it at uinteract.labor.mo.gov.
First, you have to create an account. You’ll set up a User ID and password. Pick something you’ll remember because you’ll be logging in here every single week. Once you’re in, look for the link that says "File Unemployment Claim."
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The system is going to walk you through a series of questions. It’s kinda like doing your taxes but with more questions about why you don't have a job. In 2026, the maximum weekly benefit in Missouri has climbed to $530. That’s a significant jump from a couple of years ago. Plus, if you have dependents, you can get an extra $19.33 per dependent (up to five).
What if the Website Crashes?
It happens. If the internet isn't your thing, or the site is being wonky, you can call. Missouri uses Regional Claims Centers (RCC).
- Jefferson City: 573-751-9040
- Kansas City: 816-889-3101
- St. Louis: 314-340-4950
- Springfield: 417-895-6851
- Toll-Free: 800-320-2519
Just a heads up: the hold times can be brutal. If you call, do it at 8:00 AM sharp.
The "Base Period" Confusion
This is where people get denied and don't understand why. Missouri looks at your "Base Period" to see if you earned enough to qualify.
Basically, they look at the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
To qualify in 2026, you generally need to have earned at least $2,250 in your base period. Specifically, you need $1,500 in one quarter and $750 across the rest. If you just moved to Missouri and haven't worked here long, they might have to do a "combined wage claim" with your previous state. That takes longer.
Keeping the Money: The Weekly Request
Filing the initial claim is just the beginning. To actually get paid, you have to file a Weekly Request for Payment.
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Every Sunday, the "new week" starts. You log back into UInteract and tell them:
- Yes, I’m still unemployed.
- Yes, I’m able to work.
- Yes, I’m looking for a job.
You have to make at least three work search contacts every week. Keep a log. Write down the company, who you talked to, and how you applied. The state does audits. If they find out you weren't actually looking, they’ll hit you with an "overpayment" notice, and they will take that money back.
Common Pitfalls and "Pro Tips"
Let's talk about the stuff no one mentions.
Severance and Vacation Pay: If your company gave you a payout when you left, you have to report it. It might delay your benefits for a week or two depending on how much it was. Report it as "gross" pay (the amount before taxes).
Part-Time Work: You can work a little and still get benefits. But you have to report every cent you earn the week you earn it, not the week you get the paycheck. If you earn more than your weekly benefit amount, you won't get a payment for that week.
The "No Fault" Rule: In Missouri, you generally must be unemployed through "no fault of your own." If you were fired for "misconduct"—like stealing or just not showing up—you’re probably out of luck. If you quit, you usually have to prove you had "good cause" attributable to the work or the employer (like unsafe conditions).
Actionable Steps to Take Right Now
If you just lost your job, do these three things in this order:
- File today. Use uinteract.labor.mo.gov and get your initial claim in the system before Saturday night.
- Set up MoJobs. Missouri usually requires you to register for work through their MoJobs site within five days of filing. If you don't, they’ll stop your payments.
- Check your mail (and email). You’ll receive a "Monetary Determination" letter. This isn't an approval; it just tells you how much you could get if you are eligible. Read it carefully to make sure your wages are correct.
If you hit a snag, don't panic. The system is built on rules, not feelings. Just follow the prompts, keep your job search logs tight, and file every single Sunday like clockwork.