South Dakota's unemployment system is managed by the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) Reemployment Assistance Division. The primary goal of reemployment assistance is to help unemployed individuals find work again as quickly as possible. If you become unemployed or your work hours get cut, it's important to file for benefits immediately to avoid losing any potential assistance.

Eligibility Requirements

Qualifying for unemployment benefits in South Dakota involves several steps. The DLR will require specific information from you and may contact your recent employers as well.

• Be unemployed through no fault of your own.
• You must have earned at least $728 in the highest quarter of your base period. In the remaining three quarters, your earnings should be at least 20 times your weekly unemployment benefit.
• Be ready and willing to take on appropriate work for the standard wage in your location.
• Go to all the DLR appointments designed to help you get a job.
• Actively search for and apply to jobs independently.
• Sign up with either SDWORKS or another state-approved workforce agency via the DLR.
• Submit payment requests every week.

Remember, you are legally responsible for adhering to all rules under South Dakota state law while collecting benefits.

You could be denied benefits for the following reasons:

• Not looking for a job.
• Ignoring or not following instructions from your local office to apply for fitting jobs.
• You quit your job or were fired.
• You're unable to work or aren't ready to take a job.
• Running your own business and working over 40 hours a week.

Unemployment Application Instructions

You can apply for reemployment assistance either online or by phone.

Online Application:

• Go to SD.gov.
• Choose "Reemployment Assistance for Individuals."
• Click on "RA Claims Online System."
• Log in using your mySD user profile. If you're a new user, you'll need to register.
• Complete your profile registration if not already done.
• Click "File Your Claim" and fill in the requested information.

After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation that your claim has been submitted.

Phone Application:

Alternatively, you can apply by calling the Claims Call Center at 605-626-3179 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. (CT).

To expedite your claim, have the following information ready:

• Social Security Number
• Driver's license number or other state-issued ID
• Employment history for the last 18 months
• Each employer's name, address, and phone number
• Dates of employment
• Pay rate
• Reason for leaving the job

How to File Weekly Claims

After your initial claim, you must file a weekly request for payment. A claim week in South Dakota starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday at 11:59 p.m. (CT). You can only file for the past week after it's over.

To file a weekly claim, you can:

• Log in to the RA Benefits Portal
• Call 605-626-3212

In your weekly claim, you'll need to report your work search efforts unless told otherwise. If you meet all eligibility conditions and file your payment request each week, your first payment should arrive within three weeks of your initial application.

The reemployment assistance program in South Dakota is designed to be more than just a safety net—it's a resource to help you get back into the workforce. Follow the guidelines, keep your information up-to-date, and make the most of the online services and assistance provided. If you have any questions, customer service is available at 605.626.2452.