When you file your weekly unemployment claim in your state, the processing time can vary. Factors such as a large number of claims, public holidays and a processing backlog can all hold up your benefits check. If you are trying to budget, you may need to know exactly when your unemployment benefits check is mailed each time. Fortunately, most states offer more than one way for you to check the status of your unemployment check.
Log into your online account where you file your unemployment benefits, if you do your filing online. Some states show when your most recent benefit payment was mailed once you log into your account. For example, in Ohio you get a copy of the benefits statement the day that it is mailed sent to your online inbox for your unemployment account. In California, you can view the date the benefit payment was processed and mailed if you file your benefits via EDD Web-Cert.
Call the self-service hot line for unemployment benefits in your state. For example, the automated toll-free number for California is updated once daily and tells you when your most recent benefit check was mailed and the amount of the check. If you do not know the self-service phone number for your state, check the handbook that was sent to you when you initially applied for unemployment.
Contact your state unemployment office via email using the “Contact Us” option on its website. Not all states have this option. For example, if you are in California, you can click on “Contact Us” and ask by secure email the status of your benefits check. Typically a response comes within 48 hours.
