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Key Facts
- North Dakota state level: Job Service North Dakota administers unemployment claims through its UI ICE system.
- North Dakota state level: A monetary determination lists reported base-period wages, the weekly benefit amount, and the maximum benefit amount.
- North Dakota state level: Weekly certification is required for each week claimed, including the first eligible unpaid waiting week.
- North Dakota state level: Potential duration generally ranges from 12 to 26 weeks and depends on base-period wages.
North Dakota unemployment insurance is a state program administered by Job Service North Dakota. It operates within the broader federal-state unemployment insurance system, but North Dakota law governs ordinary state eligibility, benefits, and appeals.
UI ICE connects the initial claim and weekly certifications
Job Service North Dakota identifies UI ICE as its online claims system. It allows a claimant to file an initial application, certify weekly eligibility, select a payment option, access claim information, and complete assigned reemployment activities.
After filing, the agency mails a monetary determination showing employers and wages in the base period, the weekly benefit amount, and the maximum amount potentially available during the benefit year. Monetary eligibility does not resolve every issue that can affect payment.
Each claimed week has separate conditions
A North Dakota benefit week runs from Sunday through Saturday. Certification asks about gross earnings, ability and availability for work, and required work-search contacts.
The first week that is certified and otherwise eligible is the waiting week. It receives no payment, but certification is still required for the week to count.
Benefit amounts and duration use base-period wages
North Dakota’s estimator explains that the weekly benefit amount and potential duration are based on wages from liable employment during the base period. It estimates the weekly amount using the highest two and one-half quarters divided by 65.
Potential duration ranges from 12 to 26 weeks. Minimum and maximum weekly amounts are set by law and can change each July, so an estimator result is not a benefit determination.
Separation and other issues can require fact-finding
North Dakota distinguishes monetary eligibility from nonmonetary issues such as quitting or being discharged. When an issue exists, Job Service may request written information or conduct a telephone interview before issuing a written eligibility decision.
Weekly certifications continue to matter while an issue is under review. A claim can become inactive after more than two consecutive weeks without certification and may then need to be reopened.
Determinations can be appealed
North Dakota Century Code chapter 52-06 provides the statutory framework for eligibility, disqualification, benefit calculations, determinations, administrative appeals, and judicial review. The notice accompanying a determination explains the available appeal route and deadline.
