Oklahoma Unemployment — In Plain Words

Oklahoma only. This box is Oklahoma only. It is not the rule for any other state.

OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page says: “Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a temporary supplemental income for individuals who have experienced a loss of work due to no fault of their own. Since UI is an insurance paid by Oklahoma employers, it is not available for self-employed, contract or gig workers.”

OESC’s Claimant Handbook says the same idea in other words: “The intent of Unemployment Insurance is to pay benefits to eligible individuals during periods of unemployment when suitable work is not available.” The Handbook also says: “Unemployment Insurance is a temporary income intended to help workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. It is an insurance paid by liable employers. Deductions are NOT made from employee wages to pay Unemployment Insurance.”

OESC’s Individuals page says it this way: UI is “a temporary supplemental income for individuals who have experienced a loss of work due to no fault of their own and who worked for a covered employer that paid UI tax.”

Oklahoma only. This box is Oklahoma only. It is not the rule for any other state.

OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page says: “Typically, individuals must meet the following criteria to be eligible if they:”

• “Are unemployed through no fault of their own.”
• “Are able and available to seek and accept work.”
• “Earned a minimum of $1,500 from a covered employer during their base period.”
• Meet the “1 and 1/2 rule” — OESC states that rule this way: “the total wages of the base period must be at least one and a half times the amount of wages earned during the highest quarter of an individual’s base period.” OESC points readers to Oklahoma Statute Title 40 Section 2-207 for more information on that rule.

OESC’s own example of that rule, as OESC prints it: “if an individual earns $24,000 during Q3, the total wages for their base period would need to be at least $36,000 to meet the ‘1 and 1/2 rule’.” That is OESC’s example, not a figure for any reader.

OESC’s Claimant Handbook lists the same kinds of criteria in its own words. As the Handbook puts them, claimants must be monetarily eligible; be unemployed through no fault of their own; be able, available and seeking work; register for work; and verify identity. The Handbook gives as an example of no fault “a layoff or reduction in hours or pay not related to performance.”

Nothing in this box decides whether you, or any other person, meet those criteria. This page makes no eligibility determination for any reader.

Oklahoma only. This box is Oklahoma only. It is not the rule for any other state.

OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page says: “Visit the claimant portal to submit an initial unemployment claim, weekly certifications, verify identity, check the status of a claim or manage an open claim.”

OESC lists these steps under “Applying for Unemployment Benefits”:

• Create an Account. OESC says: “Using details such as name, email address, telephone number, date of birth and verification code, create an account on the claimant portal.”
• Verify Identity. OESC says: “Identity verification is required prior to filing a claim for unemployment. The accepted forms of primary ID are a driver’s license or a state-issued ID or a resident card or green card.” OESC directs readers to the claimant portal to verify identity.
• File a Claim. OESC says: “Gather previous employment details like start/end dates and pay to submit a claim for unemployment on the claimant portal.”
• Register for Work. OESC says: “Register for a job seeker account on EmployOklahoma, and upload and publish an updated resume.”

OESC’s Claimant Handbook also names a phone route. Its Contact OESC page says, under “For general information or to file a claim” and “Give us a call:” “Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.” and “405-525-1500”. The Handbook’s weekly certification section also has a part headed “Filing by phone.”

OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page also says a reader can update contact information by visiting the claimant portal, “calling 405-525-1500 or going to your nearest Oklahoma Works office”, and that to reset and establish a new PIN, a reader can contact the Unemployment Service Center at 405-525-1500 or visit the nearest Oklahoma Works office.

Oklahoma only. This box is Oklahoma only. It is not the rule for any other state.

OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page says: “To apply for and receive unemployment benefits, individuals should follow the steps outlined below. In order to successfully file for and receive benefits, individuals must ensure that all requirements are met and deadlines are adhered to. Regularly checking for updates and responding to any requests from OESC promptly will help in navigating the process efficiently.”

OESC also says: “It is important to look out for mail and email communications from OESC, as these provide essential information and instructions. There are specific deadlines for all requirements during the process, so timely action is necessary to address any issues, disputes or concerns regarding claims.”

OESC’s Claimant Handbook describes the next paper this way: “After filing an initial claim for unemployment benefits, claimants will receive a ‘Monetary Determination’ for unemployment benefits.” The Handbook says that determination will show the employers that paid unemployment taxes on eligible wages during the base period; the start date of the benefit year, which the Handbook describes as the Sunday of the week the claim was filed, with the end date being the Saturday of the same week one year later; the weekly benefit amount; the maximum benefit amount; and any additional relevant information.

This page prints no weekly benefit amount and no maximum benefit amount. OESC’s Handbook prints a dated maximum for one year, and this page holds that figure out so it is not read as a current figure for every reader. The held-out figure is listed in the notes that go with this page, with its exact OESC wording and year.

The Handbook also describes duration in general words: “Typically, individuals are able to receive benefits for up to 16 weeks as established by state law; although, in some cases this can vary.”

On payments, OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page says: “Benefit payments are issued to a debit card provided by a third-party vendor but automatic transfers to a personal bank account can be set up.”

The Handbook says it this way: benefits are issued by an outside company, Conduent; “All eligible individuals will be mailed a debit card after the waiting period, or first week of benefits, is served”; payments will be issued to that debit card, but individuals may elect to have funds automatically transferred to their personal bank after receiving and activating the card. The Handbook also says, for payment inquiries or to set up automatic transfers, to contact Conduent at (866) 320-8699. OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page gives the same number, 866-320-8699, for resetting a debit card PIN with the card vendor Conduent.

Oklahoma only. This box is Oklahoma only. It is not the rule for any other state.

OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page lists this step under “Receiving Unemployment Benefits”: “After filing an initial claim for each week unemployed, submit weekly certifications on the claimant portal to receive benefits.”

OESC’s Claimant Handbook says: “After filing an initial unemployment claim, claimants must submit weekly certifications for each week unemployed to receive benefits. Weekly certifications are applicable to the previous week, so the earliest day to file for benefits is the Sunday after a week of unemployment. Weekly certifications must be submitted within 14 days of the week ending date.”

The Handbook says, when filing a weekly certification, to be prepared with: a Social Security Number and/or e-mail address; a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and/or password; and information on any earnings, including paid time off and severance pay, as well as the number of hours worked if working part-time.

The Handbook states the Social Security Number point this way: “The Claimant’s Social Security Number is required to file an unemployment claim. OESC shares information with various Federal and State agencies for the administration of their programs.” The Handbook also says: “Claimants are responsible for keeping their contact information up to date with OESC.”

On filing by phone, the Handbook says: “When filing weekly certifications by phone, listen to the entire question before entering a response.” It warns that trying to enter a response before the system prompts an answer may start the question over or result in an incorrect selection.

On work while receiving benefits, the Handbook says: “Any employment MUST be reported when filing for unemployment benefits. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary, short-term or cash-in-hand (i.e., babysitting or mowing lawns) work. Claimants must report any and all earnings.” The Handbook lists kinds of earnings that may include wages earned before deductions, commission, bonuses, severance, retirement, profit sharing, holiday pay, and vacation pay, and says earnings will be automatically deducted from unemployment benefits for the week it is entered.

The Handbook says, on returning to full-time employment: “simply stop filing weekly certifications.”

Oklahoma only. This box is Oklahoma only. It is not the rule for any other state.

OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page says: “For each week of unemployment, conduct and keep a record of at least two work search efforts. Work searches are not required to be made through EmployOklahoma.”

OESC’s Claimant Handbook says the same requirement this way: “To receive unemployment benefits, claimants are required to perform a minimum of two work search efforts for each week unemployed.” The Handbook says work searches should be documented using employoklahoma.gov or with the work search log found online in the “Additional Resources” section at oklahoma.gov/oesc/individuals, and that an example work search log can be found on the last page of the Handbook.

The Handbook also says work searches should be for work the claimant is willing and qualified to do, for pay the claimant is willing to accept, and in the area the claimant is willing to work; that all work search efforts are subject to verification if selected for an audit; and that failure to make the required number of work searches each week will result in a denial of benefits and possible overpayment. The Handbook notes that individuals on a temporary layoff with a return-to-work date may be exempt for work searches, and that individuals who are a member of a union with a hiring hall will be required to contact their hiring hall for work each week.

On identity, OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page says: “Identity verification is required every 90 days when filing for unemployment benefits. To reverify, go to the claimant portal.” The Handbook says the same thing: identity verification is required prior to filing a claim and will be required every 90 days when receiving or filing for unemployment benefits.

On appointments, OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page says: “If selected for the RESEA program, attend all appointments and workshops.” OESC describes that program this way: “The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program provides reemployment assistance to Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants who may not be able to return to their previous occupation or industry and, as a result, may run out of unemployment benefits. Individuals who are selected for this program will be notified by mail and must attend all appointments to receive unemployment benefits. If participants are unable to attend the scheduled appointment, they must contact the Oklahoma Works (OESC) office listed on their notice of eligibility letter prior to the appointment date to reschedule.”

Oklahoma only. This box is Oklahoma only. It is not the rule for any other state.

OESC’s Claimant Handbook says: “If there is an issue or ‘stop’ on a claim, it can take some time for OESC to thoroughly investigate and determine eligibility. The investigation often involves notifying the previous employer and requesting job separation information or other details. Once the investigation is complete, a determination will be mailed to the claimant stating the results of the investigation. Claimants, as well as employers who are an interested party, can appeal this decision if they disagree.”

OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page says: “An individual can file an appeal through multiple avenues, all of which are listed on determinations sent to claimants. All appeals should include the claimant’s full name, social security number, phone number, date of determination, section of law that they are appealing and a detailed explanation of why they disagree with the decision.”

The Handbook lists the same kinds of information to have ready for an appeal: full legal name; Social security number; phone number; date of determination; section of law you are appealing, found on the determination; and a detailed explanation of why you disagree.

On appeal deadlines, the Handbook says: “Parties have 10 calendar days from the mailing date of the determination to appeal the determination. If the tenth day falls on a weekend or state holiday, the deadline will be the following business day.” The Handbook also says that if the determination includes an overpayment, claimants have 20 days after the mailing date of the determination to file an appeal, and that individuals must appeal both the overpayment and the determination.

The Handbook says: “Appeals can be filed online, by mail, fax, phone or email. The mailing address, fax number, telephone number and email address will be listed on the Notice of Determination.” This page prints none of those addresses or numbers, because OESC says they are listed on that notice.

The Handbook stresses this point, in its own emphasis: “Individuals must continue filing their weekly certifications while in the appeals process!” It also says that if found eligible for benefits after an appeal has completed, all eligible weeks submitted will be paid, and that any weeks without a weekly certification will not be paid.

Oklahoma only — words as OESC uses them. This box is Oklahoma only. It is not the rule for any other state.

Base period: In OESC’s Claimant Handbook, “Base periods are the 12-month period consisting of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the effective date of the claim.” The Handbook also says that once a monetarily eligible claim is established, the base period cannot be changed.

Monetary Determination: The determination OESC’s Handbook says a claimant will receive after filing an initial claim, showing the items listed in the after-filing box above.

Weekly certification: The weekly filing OESC’s Handbook says a claimant must submit for each week unemployed to receive benefits.

Claimant portal: The portal OESC’s Unemployment Benefits page directs readers to for an initial claim, weekly certifications, identity verification, checking the status of a claim, and managing an open claim.

RESEA: The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program, as OESC describes it in the appointments box above.