Reviewed July 31, 2026

Do I have to certify unemployment every week?

Usually, yes. To keep requesting benefits, follow the weekly or biweekly certification schedule in your state account. The state may use a different name, but it needs current information for each benefit period.

Why the state asks again

Eligibility can change from week to week. A certification lets the agency review work, earnings, ability and availability for work, job-search activity, and other events for the period claimed.

Continue while an issue is pending

Follow the state instructions and continue timely certifications unless the agency tells you to stop. If a pending issue is later resolved in your favor, missing certifications can prevent or delay payment for those weeks.

If you worked or earned money

Certify and report the work and earnings as the state requests. Working part time does not automatically mean you should stop filing; the state determines whether partial benefits are payable.

When you may stop

You generally stop requesting weeks when you return to full-time work or no longer want benefits, but follow the account instructions. If you later become unemployed again during the benefit year, the state may require you to reopen the existing claim rather than file a completely new one.

Action to take

Check the state account for the next eligible certification date and deadline. Use the official state unemployment website, not a paid filing service.

Official sources

Related resources