How to Get Unemployment Benefits in Oregon

Losing your job—or having your hours cut—can be stressful. In Oregon, unemployment insurance (UI) provides temporary income to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

But qualifying, applying, and maintaining benefits involves navigating rules, earnings thresholds, and weekly requirements.

In this article we'll walk you through Oregon's UI system, how much your benefits are likely to be, and tips for appeals and job search obligations.

Unemployment Eligibility Requirements in Oregon

Base Period and Minimum Earnings

To qualify for unemployment benefits, Oregon requires you to meet minimum earnings or hours worked requirements over a length of time known as a "base period."

Oregon generally defines the base period as the earliest four of the five complete calendar quarters prior to the quarter in which you file your claim.

Within that base period, you must satisfy at least one of these tests:

• You earned at least $1,000 in total wages, and your total base-period wages are at least 1.5 times the wages in your highest quarter.
• You worked at least 500 hours for covered employers.

Unemployment Through No Fault of Your Own

To qualify for unemployment in Oregon, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own. That includes being laid off, downsized, or having hours cut by your employer.

If you were fired or discharged, you might still qualify unless your behavior constituted "misconduct."

Misconduct in Oregon usually means an intentional violation of company rules, repeated carelessness, or disregard for your employer's interests. For example, repeatedly showing up drunk to work or having frequent unexcused absences after warnings would likely disqualify you.

Good Cause

If you quit, you're not eligible unless you had "good cause." Good cause might include unsafe working conditions, harassment, or medical reasons that forced you to stop working—assuming you gave your employer a chance to resolve the problem. Simply being unhappy with the pay doesn't count.

Able, Available, and Actively Seeking Work

Once your initial claim is approved, you must continue to meet weekly requirements:

• You must be physically and mentally able to work.
• You must be available to accept reasonable job offers.
• You must actively search for suitable work.

Over time, the standard for what constitutes "suitable work" might shift. For instance, after a period of unemployment you might be expected to accept jobs with lower pay or less specialty than your prior job.

You should keep a record of your job search activity, including dates, employer contacts, and outcomes. You might be asked to show that to the Oregon Employment Department (OED).

How Much Are Unemployment Benefits in Oregon?

2025 Minimum and Maximum Weekly Benefits

Oregon updates the minimum and maximum UI benefit amounts each year based on the state's average weekly wage. In 2025, the state average is $1,363.80.

That means for unemployment insurance claims filed on or after June 29, 2025, the rates are:

• minimum weekly benefit: $204
• maximum weekly benefit: $872

If you filed your claim before that date, you'll remain under the slightly lower 2024 rates for the life of that claim.

Examples

Your weekly benefit is calculated as 1.25 percent of your total base-period wages, subject to the floor and cap.

Suppose during your base period you earned $20,000 total. 1.25 percent of that is $250. That means your benefit would be $250 per week (because it falls between the minimum and maximum amounts).

If someone's base period earnings totaled $70,000, 1.25 percent equals $875. But because the 2025 maximum is $872, that person will only get $872 weekly.

Duration of Benefits

Normally, Oregonians are eligible for up to 26 weeks of unemployment benefits in a benefit year.

In times of high unemployment or via special federal extension programs, additional weeks might be available.

How to File for Benefits

Initial Claim

The easiest way to file your application is online. You can also file by phone, mail, or fax. (Details are included on the OED website.)

When filing, you'll need to supply key information such as your Social Security number, employer names and addresses, dates worked, and wages. You'll also need to verify your identity.

After processing, OED issues you a Wage and Potential Benefit Report that shows the wages OED has on record, your potential benefit rate, and your maximum duration. Carefully review this for errors and correct any mistakes you see.

Weekly Claims (Certification)

Once your claim is open, you must file a weekly claim for each week you want benefits.

A "waiting week" is required—the first week you meet eligibility requirements—but you don't receive payment for it, though it counts toward your weeks of entitlement.

In your weekly claim, you must report earnings (if any) and confirm that you've been available, able, and actively seeking work. If you earned some income, you can still get partial benefits, depending on the amount.

What If Your Claim Is Denied?

If your initial UI claim is denied, you have 20 days from the date of the denial notice to file an appeal with the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Once your appeal is filed, a hearing is scheduled (often by phone) where you and your employer present evidence. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will issue a decision in writing.

If you disagree with the ALJ's decision, you can further appeal to the Employment Appeals Board, and ultimately to the Oregon Court of Appeals.

During the appeals process, you may or may not receive payments depending on the timing and whether OED decides you're eligible retroactively.

Additional Considerations

Part-Time or Occasional Work

You can still receive UI benefits if you accept part-time or occasional work, as long as your earnings don't exceed the allowed disregard threshold.

You must report all gross earnings (before taxes) during the week you earned them, not just when you're paid.

Training and Self-Employment Assistance

If you receive UI benefits, Oregon offers additional programs you may qualify for:

• Training Unemployment Insurance (TUI): with OED approval, you can enter full-time training without active job search requirements.
• Self-Employment Assistance (SEA): You can start your own business while receiving UI, under certain rules.

New Law: Unemployment for Striking Workers

In June 2025, Oregon's governor Tina Kotel signed SB916, which will allow striking workers to become eligible for UI benefits starting in 2026. Workers will become eligible after two weeks of striking, with benefits lasting no more than ten weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to start getting UI benefits in Oregon?

Most applicants receive benefits within about three weeks after filing, provided all information is correct and eligibility is clear. Some claims take longer if there's an issue needing additional review.

Do I need to file a claim every week?

Yes. After your initial application is approved, you must certify weekly (file a weekly claim) to continue receiving payments. You also report your job search and any earnings during that week.

What is the "waiting week"?

The waiting week is the first week after you file when you meet eligibility criteria. You must file for it, but you don't receive payment for that week.

Can I get benefits if I quit voluntarily?

Only if you had "good cause" to quit—such as hazardous work conditions, harassment, or medical necessity—and you can show you tried to resolve the issue before leaving. Quitting over insufficient pay generally doesn't qualify.

If I accept part-time work, can I still get UI benefits?

Yes, you can still get partial benefits as long as your earnings don't exceed the allowed disregard. Report all gross earnings accurately.

What is the maximum UI benefit I can receive in Oregon in 2025?

For claims filed on or after June 29, 2025, the maximum weekly benefit in Oregon is $872.

What happens if my claim is denied?

You can appeal within 20 days via the Office of Administrative Hearings. You'll have a hearing, and you can further appeal to the Employment Appeals Board and then to the Court of Appeals.

Do I have to prove I'm looking for a job?

Yes. You must actively look for work and may be asked to show your job search log with employer names, dates, and outcomes.

Can striking workers collect UI benefits?

Yes, beginning in 2025 Oregon allows striking workers to become eligible for UI benefits after two weeks of striking, for up to 10 weeks.