What the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security does

The New Hampshire Department of Employment Security (NHDES) administers unemployment insurance and job services for the state. It is the agency you contact to file a claim, check claim status, or report work search activity. NHDES also runs the state's job matching service and maintains records of your wage history for benefit calculations.

The department operates both in-person and online. Most people file claims and manage their account through the NHDES website or by phone. The agency has regional offices in Manchester, Concord, and Nashua, though you do not need to visit in person to file or receive benefits.

NHDES is separate from the federal government, but it follows federal unemployment insurance law and receives federal funding for certain programs. This means some rules come from Washington, but New Hampshire sets its own benefit amounts, duration, and may be able to access thresholds within federal limits.

Key Takeaways

  • File your claim with NHDES online at nh.gov/nhes or by phone at 603-271-3404 within two weeks of losing your job to avoid losing back pay.
  • New Hampshire requires you to report your work search activity every week you receive benefits, either online or by phone.
  • Weekly benefit amounts in New Hampshire range from $32 to $427, depending on your prior earnings, and last up to 26 weeks in most cases.
  • NHDES will contact your former employer to verify your separation reason, so be prepared to explain why you left or were let go.
  • If your claim is denied, you have 10 days to request a hearing before a hearing officer who will review both your account and your employer's statement.

How to file a claim and what you need

File your claim as soon as you lose work. NHDES accepts claims online through its website, by phone at 603-271-3404, or in person at a regional office. The online method is fastest and lets you track your claim when ready.

When you file, have ready your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and information about your job: the employer's name and address, your job title, the date you last worked, and the reason you left or were terminated. If you were laid off, fired, or quit, the reason matters—NHDES uses it to determine whether you are ineligible for misconduct or voluntary separation without good cause.

After you file, NHDES sends a notice to your former employer asking them to confirm your hire date, wages, and reason for separation. Your employer has a important date to respond. If they say you quit without cause or were fired for misconduct, NHDES will contact you to explain your side before making a decision.

File within two weeks of your last day of work. If you wait longer, you may lose the right to back pay for the weeks you were out of work but did not claim.

Weekly work search requirements and reporting

New Hampshire requires you to search for work and report your activity every week you receive benefits. You must make at least three work search contacts per week—explore for jobs, attending interviews, or registering with a job service all count. You report this activity by phone or online each week.

NHDES provides a work search log form on its website where you can record your contacts. You do not submit it unless NHDES asks, but you must keep it in case the agency requests proof. If you fail to report for two consecutive weeks without good reason, your benefits stop.

Certain people are exempt from work search: those receiving Disaster Unemployment information, those in approved training programs, and those with a medical condition documented by a doctor. If you think you may have access to for an exemption, contact NHDES before your first reporting week.

Benefit amounts and how long they last

Your weekly benefit amount depends on your earnings in the highest-earning quarter of the year before you filed. NHDES divides your quarterly earnings by 26 to calculate your weekly rate, then rounds to the nearest dollar. The minimum is $32 per week; the maximum is $427 per week as of 2024, though this amount changes annually.

Most people receive benefits for up to 26 weeks—the standard duration in New Hampshire. During recessions or periods of high unemployment, the federal government sometimes extends benefits by 13 or more weeks, but this is not automatic. You would need to file a separate claim for extended benefits if they become available.

Your benefit year runs for 52 weeks from the date you file. You cannot claim more than your total benefit amount during that year, even if you work part-time and earn less than your weekly benefit. If you earn money while claiming, NHDES deducts $1 from your benefit for every $1 you earn above $30 per week.

Reasons NHDES may deny your claim

NHDES denies claims for specific reasons spelled out in state law. The most common are voluntary separation without good cause (you quit without a work-related reason), misconduct (you were fired for breaking a rule or performing poorly), and refusal of suitable work (you turned down a job offer).

If you quit, NHDES looks for evidence that you had a compelling reason tied to work—unsafe conditions, wage cuts, a significant change in duties, or harassment. Quitting because you found another job, wanted better hours, or had a personal problem usually does not may have access to unless the personal problem made working impossible.

If you were fired, NHDES asks whether the employer had just cause. Cause means you knew the rule, broke it deliberately or through gross negligence, and the employer warned you or would have warned you if they had the chance. A single mistake or poor performance usually does not meet this standard unless it was serious.

You also cannot receive benefits if you are disqualified for fraud, if you are receiving workers' compensation for the same period, or if you are in jail or prison.

What to do if your claim is denied

If NHDES denies your claim, you receive a written notice explaining the reason and your right to a hearing. You have 10 days from the date on the notice to request a hearing. File your request online, by mail, or by phone—do not wait.

At the hearing, a hearing officer listens to your account and your employer's account, then decides whether the denial was correct. You can represent yourself or bring a lawyer or representative. The hearing is usually held by phone or video, though you can request an in-person hearing if you have a good reason.

Bring documents that support your case: emails, text messages, pay stubs, a written statement from a coworker, or medical records if your separation was health-related. The hearing officer will also contact your employer and may ask them questions during the hearing.

After the hearing, the officer issues a written decision. If you disagree, you can appeal to the Board of Appeals within 10 days. This second appeal is your last step before going to court.

NHDES job services and work-search resources

NHDES runs NHWorks, the state's job matching and career service. You can search job listings, post a resume, and take skills assessments on the NHWorks website. The service is free and does not require you to be receiving unemployment benefits to use it.

NHDES also partners with American Job Centers across the state. These centers offer resume help, interview coaching, and connections to employers. Some centers specialize in certain industries or serve specific populations. You can find your nearest center on the NHDES website.

If you are in an approved training program—such as community college or a vocational certificate—you may be able to extend your benefits while you study. Contact NHDES before you enroll to confirm the program qualifies and to understand how your benefits will be affected.

How to contact NHDES and check your claim status

Call NHDES at 603-271-3404 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are longest early in the week and early in the morning. The phone line handles claims, work search reporting, and general questions.

Check your claim status online through your NHDES account. You can log in with your Social Security number and a PIN you create when you file. Your account shows your weekly benefit amount, weeks claimed, weeks paid, and any pending issues or notices.

Visit a regional office in Manchester, Concord, or Nashua if you need in-person help. Hours and addresses are on the NHDES website. Bring your ID and any documents related to your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive unemployment if I quit my job?

You may receive benefits if you quit for a work-related reason—such as unsafe conditions, a significant cut in pay or hours, or harassment. If you quit for personal reasons unrelated to work, NHDES will deny your claim. You have the right to a hearing to explain your reason.

What happens if I work part-time while receiving benefits?

You can work and receive benefits in the same week. NHDES deducts $1 from your benefit for every $1 you earn above $30 per week. For example, if your weekly benefit is $300 and you earn $150, you receive $180 that week ($300 minus $120 in deductions).

How long does it take to receive my first payment?

NHDES typically processes claims within one to two weeks if your employer responds quickly and there are no issues. Your first payment arrives by debit card or direct deposit, depending on how you set up your account. If your employer disputes your claim, processing takes longer.

What if I move out of New Hampshire while receiving benefits?

You can continue to receive New Hampshire benefits if you move, but you must report your new address to NHDES and continue to meet work search requirements. Some states have reciprocal agreements with New Hampshire, so contact NHDES before you move to understand how your benefits may change.

Can I appeal a hearing officer's decision?

Yes. You have 10 days from the hearing decision to appeal to the Board of Appeals. File your appeal with NHDES in writing, explaining why you disagree with the decision. The Board reviews the hearing record and issues a final written decision. After that, your only option is to file a lawsuit in court.