Montana Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

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Looking for tips to access the Montana Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Montana Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Montana Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of Montana Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Unemployment Insurance Division of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry administers unemployment insurance benefits for the state of Montana. 

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. Unemployment compensation in the state of Montana provides a financial safety net that lessens the negative impact of lost employment on Montana’s jobless residents, their families, and the local economy.

Funding for the state of Montana’s jobless benefits program comes entirely from employer taxes, so no money ever is deducted from employee paychecks to fund this program to help unemployed workers.

Montana Unemployment Contact 

Unemployment Insurance Division

  • Phone: (406)444-2545
  • Fax: (406)444-2699

Claims Processing Center

  • Phone: (406)444-2545
  • P.O. Box 8020

Helena, MT 59604-8020

Contributions Bureau

  • Phone: (406)444-3834
  • P.O. Box 6339

Helena, MT 59604-6339


How To Qualify for Montana Unemployment Benefits

In order to receive unemployment benefits in Montana, an unemployed individual must normally fulfill the following qualifying requirements:

  • Before becoming jobless, you must have earned a certain amount of money.
  • According to Montana state law, you must be unemployed due to no fault of his or her own.
  • You must be able to work and willing to do so.
  • You must be actively looking for work.

Individual eligibility determinations cannot be made until an initial claim is submitted, therefore you should make an initial jobless claim for unemployment compensation as soon as you start working.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Montana? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 8-28 weeks 
  • Weekly Payment: Min $169 to Max $572
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $15,456

How Do I Apply for Montana Unemployment Benefits?

You can file for unemployment benefits online or over the phone. While claimants are highly urged to file new unemployment claims online, if you do not have Internet connection, you may contact Claims Processing at 406-444-2545 to explore other options for filing your unemployment claim.

The Department of Labor and Industry will send you a monetary determination after you file your initial claim, detailing whether you are accepted and how much you may anticipate to receive in weekly unemployment benefits.

How do I Manage My Montana Unemployment Benefits

You may apply for unemployment benefits either online or over the phone. While claimants are highly urged to file new unemployment claims online, if you do not have an internet connection, you may contact Claims Processing at 406-444-2545 to explore other options for filing your unemployment claim.

The Department of Labor and Industry will send you a monetary determination after you file your initial claim, detailing whether you are accepted and how much you may anticipate receiving in weekly unemployment benefits.

How Do I Appeal a Montana Unemployment Decision?

You have 10 days from the day your determination was mailed to initiate an appeal if you are displeased with the decision about your original unemployment claim. Make sure to read your determination letter carefully since it will contain all of the particular instructions you’ll need to file your request for appeal.

You can, for example, appeal online (choose Unemployment Insurance Appeal Form) or by mailing or faxing your appeal using the directions on the Request for Appeal page that comes with your redetermination notification.

How Do I Report a Montana Unemployment Fraud?

Unemployment benefits fraud is a felony that jeopardizes the integrity of Montana’s whole UI benefits system. It raises UI taxes for companies, frustrates law-abiding employers and employees, and may keep needed financial assistance away from people who need it the most. 

Unemployment fraud is taken seriously by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, and all allegations of suspected fraud are rigorously examined.

If you suspect someone is taking UI benefits fraudulently, you can report them using one of the following methods:

Anonymity is guaranteed for all fraud reports.

How Do I Talk to a Person in Montana Unemployment Customer Service?

Steps:

  1. Dial 1-406-444-2545 or 1-888-556-4677 (Toll-free)
  2. Stay on the line
  3. The automated phone system will connect you to a live customer service agent from Montana Unemployment

Montana Unemployment Customer Service Representatives Hours

  • Live Montana Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 9am to 4pm Monday-Friday
  • Saturday-Sunday closed.

Montana Unemployment Support Phone Numbers

  • MT Unemployment Support Phone Number: 1-406-444-2545 or 1-888-556-4677. Live Montana Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 9am to 4pm Monday-Friday, Saturday-Sunday closed.
  • Contributions Bureau: 1-406-444-3834.
  • Division Switchboard: 1-406-444-3783.
  • Overpayment Unit: 1-406-444-5434.
  • 1099-G General Questions: 1-406-444-2556.
  • UI Tax Audits: 1-406-444-3834.
  • TDD for deaf & hard of hearing: 1-406-444-0532.
  • UI Benefit Charging Questions: 1-406-444-0399.
  • UI Claims Investigation: 1-406-444-3783.

MT Unemployment Insurance (UI) Mailing Addresses

Claims Processing Center:

  • P.O. Box 8020

Helena, MT 59604-8020

Contributions Bureau:

  • P.O. Box 6339

Helena, MT 59604-6339

Montana Works:

  • PO Box 1728

Helena, MT 59624-1728

MT Unemployment Live Chat Support

Montana Unemployment support email

  • Claim Questions: UIClaims@mt.gov
  • Questions Regarding Unemployment Taxes: uieservices@mt.gov
  • Report Fraud: dliuidci@mt.gov

Montana UI Help Center

What if I got fired?

You may be disqualified for benefits if the employer can prove you were discharged for work-related misconduct. An employer must prove misconduct before you are eligible for benefits.

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.


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Montana Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Montana Unemployment  OfficeMontana Unemployment Office LocationsMontana  Unemployment Phone Number
Unemployment Office – Havre, MT160 First AvenueHavre, MT 59501406-265-5847
Unemployment Office – Helena, MT715 Front StreetPO Box 201505Helena, MT 59620-1505406-447-3200
Unemployment Office – Kalispell, MT427 First Avenue EastKalispell, MT 59901406-758-6200
Unemployment Office – Lewistown, MT773 Airport Road DriveLewistown, MT 59457406-538-8701
Unemployment Office – Libby, MT417 Mineral Avenue Suite 4Libby, MT 59923406-293-6282
Unemployment Office – Miles City, MT12 North 10th StreetPO Box 1786Miles City, MT 59301406-232-8340
Unemployment Office – Missoula, MT539 South 3rd Street WestMissoula, MT 59801406-728-7060
Unemployment Office – Polson, MT417-B Main StreetPolson, MT 59860406-883-7880
Unemployment Office – Sidney, MT211 North Central AveSidney, MT 59270406-433-1204
Unemployment Office – Thompson Falls, MT2504 Tradewinds Way Suite 1Thompson Falls, MT 59873406-382-3045
Unemployment Office – Wolf Point, MT201 Main StreetWolf Point, MT 59201406-653-1720

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

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Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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