The State of Hawaii offers unemployment benefits for those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The UI Division of the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations administers the program. The UI program is funded through employer payroll taxes and a reimbursable fee paid by workers. The program is also supported by federal grants and state funds. It is available to all states’ workers, including those with a military background.
After submitting your claim, you will receive a determination that outlines the state’s decision regarding whether or not you are eligible to collect benefits. The determination will also specify the amount you expect to be paid weekly. If you are dissatisfied with the determination, you can file an appeal within 10 days of receiving the notice.
Hawaii Unemployment Insurance Eligibility
Unemployment insurance (UI) benefits are provided to eligible individuals who meet certain requirements. In order to qualify for UI, the worker must have earned insured wages in a base period and must be totally or partially unemployed due to no fault of their own. In addition, the worker must register for work at Hire Net Hawaii and keep a job search log.
UI benefit payments are based on weekly eligibility determinations for weekly UI benefits, based on the gross earnings reported during the week. Gross earnings are defined as all wages earned before any deductions, such as taxes or other withholdings, are deducted. Failure to meet these requirements can result in the denial of your claim.
How to File for Hawaii Unemployment Benefits?
You can file for Hawaii unemployment benefits if you lose your job because of a layoff or business closure and have earned wages in two or more quarters of your base period. Generally, the base period is the first four of the last five calendar quarters. However, if you have no qualifying earnings, the department may use your total wage history as your base period.
You can also claim Hawaii unemployment benefits if you’re a federal civilian employee or an ex-military serviceperson who has moved to another state, as long as it is a “liable state” and makes all determinations and payments on your behalf. The liable state is usually the military base where you were stationed or the state in which you lived for your active duty.