You may file an initial claim for unemployment insurance benefits using one of four methods:

1. Online ­ CLICK HERE
2. By visiting the nearest Workforce Development Center and participating in an initial­claim group session;
3. By calling the Unemployment Insurance Service Center at (877) 891­5344 (toll­free outside the Des Moines area) or 281­4199 (in the Des Moines calling area), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Central Standard Time.; or
4. Through your most recent employer.

When you file your initial claim, you’ll need to have the following information handy:

• Your Social Security number;
• The name, address and telephone number of your most recent employer, and the beginning and ending dates you worked for that employer;
• An Alien Registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen;
• A DD­214 (Member 4), if you served in the U.S. military during the last 18 months;
• An SF­8 form, if you worked for the federal government in the last 18 months;
• The name(s) of anyone you will be claiming as a dependent, up to a maximum of four; and
• The amount your spouse earned in the preceding week, if you want to claim your spouse as a dependent (must be $120 or less to be claimed).