Collecting Unemployment Benefits in Louisiana

Learn the rules for unemployment eligibility, benefit amounts, and more in Louisiana.

By , J.D. · UC Berkeley School of Law

Did you recently lose your job in Louisiana? If so, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits compensation available to employees who are temporarily out of work through no fault of their own.

Although the basic rules for unemployment are similar across the board, the eligibility rules, prior earnings requirements, benefit amounts, and other details vary from state to state.

Below you'll find information on collecting unemployment in Louisiana.

Eligibility Requirements for Louisiana Unemployment Benefits

In Louisiana, the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) handles unemployment benefits and determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must meet the following three eligibility requirements in order to collect unemployment benefits in Louisiana:

  • You must have earned at least a minimum amount in wages before you were unemployed.
  • You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, as defined by Louisiana law.
  • You must be able and available to work, and you must be actively seeking employment.

Are You Out of Work Through No Fault of Your Own?

In Louisiana, as in other states, you must be out of work through no fault of your own to qualify for unemployment benefits.

Collecting Unemployment After a Layoff

If you were laid off, lost your job in a reduction-in-force (RIF), or got "downsized" for economic reasons, you will meet this requirement.

Collecting Unemployment After Being Fired

If you were fired because you lacked the skills to perform the job or simply weren't a good fit, you won't necessarily be barred from receiving benefits. However, if you were fired for misconduct relating to your job, you may be disqualified from receiving benefits.

For example, if you were fired because you intentionally violated workplace rules, willfully disregarded your employer's interests, or willfully disregarded the standards of behavior an employer has the right to expect from an employee, you may be disqualified from receiving benefits.

If you are fired for aggravated misconduct (such as stealing or damaging your employer's property), you won't receive benefits and none of the work you did or the wages you earned from that employer will count towards your unemployment claim.

Collecting Unemployment After Quitting

If you quit your job, you won't be eligible for unemployment benefits unless you had good cause because of a substantial change to your employment by your employer.

In general, good cause means that your reason for leaving the position was job-related and was so compelling that you had no other choice than to leave. For example, if you left your job because of dangerous working conditions or sexual harassment that your employer refused to stop, you may be able to collect benefits.

Do You Meet the Minimum Earnings Requirement?

Virtually all states look at your recent work history and earnings during a one-year "base period" to determine your eligibility for unemployment. (For more information, see Nolo's article, Unemployment Compensation: Understanding the Base Period).

In Louisiana, as in most states, the base period is the earliest four of the five complete calendar quarters before you filed your benefits claim. For example, if you filed your claim in December of 2023, the base period would be from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.

To qualify for benefits in Louisiana, you must meet both of the following requirements:

  • You must have earned at least $1,200 during the base period.
  • Your total earnings during the base period must be at least one-and-a-half times your earnings during the highest paid quarter of the base period.

Are You Available and Actively Searching for Work?

To keep collecting unemployment benefits, you must be able to work, available to work, and looking for employment. If you're offered a suitable position, you must accept it.

Whether a position is suitable depends on several factors, including the skill and training required, how much the job pays, how similar the job is to your former employment, and how far you will have to commute to work if you take the job. However, as time goes on, you will be expected to modify your standards and consider accepting work that is different or that pays less than what you were receiving.

In Louisiana, you will be considered "available" for work only if you don't have any barriers to taking a job immediately, if one is offered. For example, you must be able to make arrangements for childcare and transportation. In addition, you must be able to work every day of the week; otherwise, you won't be eligible for benefits that week.

You must engage in a good faith search for work. You must contact at least three employers each week, keeping records of the employers you contact, the dates you made contact, and the outcome. The Louisiana Workforce Commission may ask you to provide contact information for employers you've contacted at any point during your claim.

Amount and Duration of Unemployment Benefits in Louisiana

If you are eligible to receive unemployment, your weekly benefit rate (WBR) will be 4% of your average quarterly earnings during the base period, multiplied by 1.05 and then multiplied again by 1.28 (equivalent to multiplying by 1.344).

Your weekly benefit rate is subject to a minimum amount of $35 and a maximum amount of $275. (The minimum and maximum amounts change on a regular basis, so be sure to check your notice from the LWC for the current amount).

You may receive benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks. In times of very high unemployment, additional weeks of benefits may be available.

How to File a Claim for Unemployment Benefits in Louisiana

You may file your claim for unemployment benefits online or by phone. You can find online filing information, as well as the numbers for filing by phone, at the Louisiana Workforce Commission website.

Once it receives your application, the LWC will send you some documents, including a Monetary Determination indicating whether you met the initial earnings requirements to qualify for benefits and how much you can expect to receive each week.

How to Appeal a Denial of Unemployment Benefits in Louisiana

If your unemployment claim is denied, you have 15 days to appeal the decision. After receiving your appeal request, the Appeals Unit of the Louisiana Workforce Commission will schedule a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), at which you can present evidence and witnesses. Hearings are typically held by phone.

If you disagree with the ALJ's decision after the initial hearing, you can request an appeal by the Board of Review within 15 days. And, if you disagree with the Board's finding, you may file an appeal in court within 15 days.

For more information on the unemployment process, including current eligibility requirements and benefits amounts, visit the Louisiana Workforce Commission website.

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