Benefits can be paid within 22 days after establishing a new claim or renewing an established claim, unless an issue is being investigated. Any situation that requires a determination to be made regarding your eligibility to receive benefits is called an “issue”. An issue can take on average 4-6 weeks to be completed. If an issue arises on your claim, you are given the opportunity to provide information electronically via UInteract, through mailed questionnaire or by phone. A determination will be made even if you do not provide information.  Be sure to file a weekly request for payment each week, even if you are not yet receiving a benefit payment.  You will not receive unemployment benefits for any week that was not requested in a timely manner.

Benefits are not paid on the same day each week.  If eligible, payments are made the following business day after the week requested is processed.  This does not include weekends or State/Federal holidays. The Division of Employment Security (DES) will not notify you when a payment is processed.  If receiving payments on the Missouri Access MasterCard® debit card, you may check your account balance or sign up for text alerts at www.mo-access.com free of charge.  Click here for more information about charges associated with the Missouri Access MasterCard® debit card.  If receiving payment through direct deposit, you may check with the financial institute handling your account to determine whether they offer a payment alert system.