Where to reach New Hampshire's unemployment office

New Hampshire's unemployment insurance program is run by the Department of Employment Security, which operates under the state's Labor Department. The main office is in Concord, but you do not need to visit in person for most tasks. The department handles both regular unemployment insurance and federal extended benefits when those programs are active.

The primary phone line is 603-271-3148. This number connects you to the claims center during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are typically shortest early in the week and early in the day. If you reach a busy signal, the system will not hold you in a queue—you will need to call back.

The department's website is des.nh.gov. From there you can file a new claim, check the status of an existing claim, and access forms and program information. The online system is available 24 hours a day, though processing times may vary depending on the volume of claims being filed.

Key Takeaways

  • New Hampshire's Department of Employment Security processes unemployment claims and handles both state and federal programs, reachable at 603-271-3148 or through des.nh.gov.
  • You can file a claim online, by phone, or by mail, and the online system is the fastest route if you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and recent pay stubs available.
  • New Hampshire requires you to file a new claim each week to receive benefits, and you must report any work, earnings, or job refusals on that weekly claim.
  • The state uses a "high quarter" method to calculate your benefit amount, based on your highest three-month earnings in the past 12 months.
  • If your claim is denied, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the department, and you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

How to file a claim in New Hampshire

You can file your initial claim through three routes: online at des.nh.gov, by phone at 603-271-3148, or by mail using form UC-1, which you can read from the department's website or request by phone. The online method is fastest and usually processes within one business day if you file during business hours.

To file online or by phone, have ready your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID number, the names and addresses of your last three employers, your dates of employment with each, and the reason you are no longer working. If you were laid off, you will need to know whether the layoff was temporary or permanent. If you quit, you will need to explain why.

After you file your initial claim, you must file a weekly claim to continue receiving benefits. You can do this online through your account on des.nh.gov or by phone. Weekly claims are due by 11:59 p.m. on the Sunday of each week you are claiming benefits. If you miss the important date, you lose benefits for that week and must contact the department to request a waiver.

What New Hampshire asks on your weekly claim

Each week, you must report whether you worked, how much you earned, whether you refused any job offers, and whether you are receiving any other income such as severance, vacation pay, or pension payments. The department uses this information to calculate your weekly benefit amount.

If you earned money during the week, New Hampshire reduces your benefit by a portion of those earnings. The state allows you to earn up to one-third of your weekly benefit amount without any reduction. Earnings above that threshold reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar. For example, if your weekly benefit is $300 and you earn $150, you have no reduction. If you earn $250, your benefit is reduced by $50.

If you refused a job offer or did not search for work as required, you must report that as well. Refusing suitable work without good cause can result in a denial of benefits for that week or longer, depending on the circumstances. New Hampshire requires you to actively search for work while receiving benefits, though the department does not require you to submit proof of job searches each week.

How New Hampshire calculates your benefit amount

New Hampshire uses your high quarter earnings to determine your weekly benefit. The high quarter is the three-month period in the past 12 months when you earned the most money. The state takes one-third of that amount and rounds down to the nearest dollar. That is your weekly benefit amount.

For example, if your highest three-month earnings were $4,500, your weekly benefit would be $1,500 divided by 13 weeks, or approximately $115 per week. The minimum weekly benefit in New Hampshire is $32, and the maximum is set by state law and adjusted annually. As of 2024, the maximum is $427 per week, though this figure changes each year.

Your benefit is not reduced based on your age, savings, or other assets. It is based only on your prior wages. If you worked part-time or had very low earnings in your high quarter, your benefit will be lower than someone who earned more.

Duration of benefits and when they end

New Hampshire provides regular unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks in a benefit year. A benefit year runs for 52 weeks starting from the week you file your initial claim. Once you have received 26 weeks of benefits or your benefit year ends, whichever comes first, your regular benefits stop.

If you are still unemployed when your regular benefits end, you may be able to receive federal extended benefits if the state's unemployment rate meets certain thresholds. These programs are not always active. The department will notify you if extended benefits become available and whether you meet the requirements to receive them.

Benefits also end if you return to work, refuse suitable work without good cause, or fail to file your weekly claim by the important date. If you return to work part-time, your benefits continue but are reduced based on your earnings.

What to do if your claim is denied

If the Department of Employment Security denies your claim or stops your benefits, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. The notice will include the date by which you must file an appeal—this is 30 days from the date on the notice. If you miss this important date, you lose the right to appeal unless you can show good cause for the delay.

To appeal, you can file online through des.nh.gov, by phone at 603-271-3148, or by mail using form UC-5. You do not need a lawyer to appeal, though you may bring one if you choose. The appeal goes to an administrative law judge who will review your case and the department's decision.

The judge will hold a hearing, which may be conducted by phone or video conference. You will have the chance to explain your situation and provide evidence. The judge will issue a written decision. If you disagree with that decision, you can appeal further to the Board of Appeals, and then to state court if necessary.

Reporting changes and other responsibilities

You must report certain changes to the Department of Employment Security within 10 days. These include returning to work, a change in your address or phone number, a change in your marital status, or a change in your household income. You can report changes online, by phone, or by mail.

If you receive benefits you were not may have access to to—for example, because you did not report earnings or because you returned to work—the department may ask you to repay those benefits. This is called an overpayment. You can request a waiver of the overpayment if you can show that you were not at fault and that repayment would be against equity and good conscience, but waivers are not automatic.

If you are receiving benefits and find work, tell the department when ready. Your benefits will be reduced based on your earnings, but you may still receive partial benefits while you are working part-time or during a transition period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if I was fired?

You can file a claim, but whether you receive benefits depends on why you were fired. If you were fired for misconduct—such as theft, violence, or repeated violations of workplace rules after being warned—you are disqualified. If you were fired for poor performance or a single mistake, you may still be found may be able to access. The department will contact your employer to ask why you were terminated.

What if I am working part-time while collecting benefits?

You can work part-time and still receive unemployment benefits, but your benefit is reduced based on your earnings. New Hampshire allows you to earn up to one-third of your weekly benefit without any reduction. Earnings above that amount reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar. Report your earnings on your weekly claim form.

How long does it take to receive my first payment?

If you file your claim online during business hours, the department typically processes it within one business day. Your first payment is usually deposited into your bank account or loaded onto a debit card within 7 to 10 days after your claim is approved. If you file by mail, processing takes longer—usually 2 to 3 weeks.

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

You can continue to receive New Hampshire benefits even if you move to another state, as long as you continue to file your weekly claims and meet all other requirements. However, if you move and find work in another state, you must report that to New Hampshire. Some states have agreements to share wage information, so the department may learn about your employment anyway.

Can I receive unemployment benefits if I am self-employed?

Regular unemployment insurance is not available to self-employed workers in New Hampshire. However, if you were self-employed and also worked as an employee for someone else during the past 12 months, you may be able to file a claim based on your employee wages. The department will review your work history to determine whether you meet the requirements.