Recently laid off from a U.S. federal job?

What to know first

Federal civilian unemployment claims are usually handled by state unemployment insurance agencies. In many cases, the state connected to your last official federal duty station determines the claim rules, even though the program is for federal employees.

Documents to gather before you file

You can often start a claim before every document is perfect, but having these items nearby can reduce delays:

• Standard Form 8, also called SF-8, if your agency gave you one.
• Standard Form 50, also called SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action.
• Your most recent earnings and leave statement or other wage proof.
• Your federal agency name, employing office, and agency code if available.
• Your position title and the state or country of your last official duty station.
• Any separation, furlough, reduction-in-force, or return-to-work notices.

Where to file

Start with the unemployment insurance office for the state tied to your last official duty station. If your situation involves an overseas duty station, a move after separation, or work in more than one state, use the state office's federal-worker instructions or contact that office before submitting duplicate claims.

The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop unemployment benefits finder is the simplest official starting point for finding the right state filing website.

Situations that may need extra review

• Furlough or shutdown pay can create repayment obligations if you later receive back pay for the same weeks.
• Private-sector contractors working on federal projects generally file under regular state unemployment rules, not as federal civilian employees.
• Deferred resignation, quitting, or refusing a return-to-office requirement may require the state to review whether you had good cause.
• Part-time work, severance, vacation payout, or other income may affect weekly certification and benefit amounts.

Official resources