The Missouri Division of Employment Security provides payment of unemployment insurance benefits to workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own.

To finance unemployment benefits to qualified claimants, the Division collects contributions (taxes) from Missouri employers. Each quarter, employers are required to report their workers' wages and pay contributions on the wages in a timely manner. No part of the contribution is deducted from the workers' wages.

Workers should file for benefits as soon as they become unemployed. A delay in filing may result in loss of benefits. A claim for unemployment insurance benefits can be filed via the Internet or by telephone.

Eligible individuals may qualify for up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits under Missouri's regular program. Special Disaster Unemployment Assistance may be available in some situations for workers who are unable to work as a result of a natural disaster or other catastrophe.

The Division of Employment Security aggressively investigates employer and claimant fraud.

Both workers and employers have the right to appeal any written determination made by a Division deputy. The Missouri Employment Security Law provides for a fair and impartial hearing to all parties affected by a deputy's determination as required by federal law. The decision-making process is completely independent of the Missouri Division of Employment Security.