New Montana Unemployment Rules During COVID-19

As many people apply for unemployment in Montana, there have been more flexible rules passed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Details and links are right here:

On March 14, 2020, Governor Steve Bullock extended the emergency in the State of Montana with regards the COVID-19 pandemic in Executive Order 3-2020.

(It is CRUCIAL that you spend time reading the entire new rules document, as the COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation and rules may continue to change. As of March 2020, the following was compiled directly from the State of Montana.)

The news rules that were passed include such language as:

A claimant directed by the employer to leave work or not report for work due to the employer's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including COVID-19 induced reduction in demand or availability of materials, is deemed to have been temporarily laid off by the employer.

If you have an existing claim, you do not need to file a new one. You will, however, need a MontanaWorks.gov account to access your claim.

APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT HERE, WITH THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY.

The unemployment site has been experiencing high volume and may be quite slow at times. Consider applying off peak hours if you encounter delays.