Find below customer service details for Oregon unemployment benefits. Besides contact details, the page also offers a brief overview of the state program.
Head Office
Oregon Employment Department
875 Union St. NE
Salem, OR 97311
United States
Customer Service
Phone: 1-877-345-3484 (unemployment insurance)
Phone: 1-800-237-3710 (general)
Phone: 1-800-553-5396 (overpayment)
Other Contacts
Phone: 503-224-0405 (Portland area)
Phone: 503-375-7900 (Greater Salem area)
Phone: 541-388-4066 (Eastern/Central)
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About Oregon unemployment insurance
Oregon workers who have been out of work for no fault of their own and have been actively seeking one may be eligible for unemployment benefits. The unemployment insurance program is administered by the State of Oregon Employment Department. Workers can file a claim on phone, at office, or online with just a few clicks. The Online Claim System allows you to submit a claim and check status anytime. When filing a claim, you will need to furnish social security number, contact information, work history and employer information. The work history of the last 18 months including phone and address will have to be furnished. If you are not a US citizen, you will need to have an alien registration number and other supporting documents. Note that your application will be denied if you have voluntarily resigned, was fired or unable to work.
The law requires that workers are available for work and have been seeking for a part time or full time job. As for the weekly benefit amount, it is based on recent work record for a 12-month period known as the base period. The base period is the first four of the last five calendar quarters completed at the time of application. You must have been paid at least $1,000 in base wages during your base year. If you worked for a minimum of 500 hours and received subject wages in your previous job still you might qualify. Two approaches are used to calculate wages – the standard base period and alternative base period. The benefits are generally 1.25% of worker’s earnings over 12 month period. For 2020, the weekly benefit amount is set at $151 and maximum is capped at $648. There are tools available on the website to help you get an estimate of the weekly benefits you are eligible for. The first week on your claim will be the Waiting Week after when you will start receiving the payment. Claimants can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks. Payment can be received through direct bank deposit or debit card.
Once an application has been processed, claimants will receive the Wage and Potential Benefit Report with further instructions. If your claim was denied you can apply for an appeal by phone or on the website. According to the law, each week you are also to seek work and keep the agency posted on same. Claimants must attend job training workshops and connect with employers. Visit the WorkSource Oregon website for exploring relevant jobs and to connect with local and state service providers. Details of job fairs are also regularly posted on the platform. For complaints or queries on claim forms, benefit payment, cancellation, refund, or others, reach the Oregon Employment Department support.
