New South Dakota Unemployment Claim Filing System Introduced

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation is seeing a large number of unemployment claims due to COVID-19 related layoffs.

According to Dakota News Now, the DLR is asking those who want to make a claim to do so online at RAclaims.sd.gov due to a high call volume.

They have also rolled out a new filing system for claims over the phone. It’s based on the first letter of your last name as follows:

A-F on Monday
G-N on Tuesday
O-Z on Wednesday

If you missed your day, you can file on Thursday or Friday.

You must have your Social Security number, driver’s license or state ID, and 18 months of work history to make a claim.

DLR Secretary Maria Hultman told Dakota News Now, “After you file an initial claim, you will receive a packet in the mail, so be on the lookout for this. It will contain your monetary benefit determination, claimant checklist, and handbook.”

To be paid, claimants need to file a weekly request for payment, even though the work search requirement is currently waived. Unemployment claimants filing a weekly request for benefits should call 605-626-3212 after 6 p.m. CDT, or file online at RAclaims.sd.gov. The quickest way to receive benefit payments is by direct deposit.

Each case is unique and there are many variables can affect a worker’s eligibility and an employer’s liability for benefits.