Note: Questions specific to an individual's claim must be handled by an RA representative by contacting Customer Service at 605.626.2452 or emailing dlrradivision@state.sd.us. Thank you.
These FAQs are for individuals with questions on Reemployment Assistance. For employers, please see Reemployment Assistance Tax - FAQ (sd.gov).
GENERAL FAQS
Where can I call with questions?
You may contact the Customer Service Center at 605.626.2452.
Who can qualify for reemployment assistance benefits?
The Reemployment Assistance (RA) program provides temporary financial assistance for people who have lost their job through no fault of their own.
How is my eligibility determined?
Many variables may affect a worker’s eligibility and an employer’s liability for benefits. DLR examines each case on an individual basis and makes determinations in accordance with the law.
I live in South Dakota, but my employer is located in a different state, which state do I file with?
File in the state where you performed the work.
How do I file a reemployment assistance benefits claim?
You can file a claim online or by telephone.
What do I need to file a claim?
Please see dlr.sd.gov/ra/individuals/file_claim.aspx for more details.
Do I need a state ID/driver's license to apply for benefits?
You do not need an ID to apply for benefits. There will be a question on the application about it, but if you select “No” (as in you don’t have one) it will not put a hold on your claim.
Will my benefit replace my wages?
Reemployment assistance benefits are a partial wage replacement.
Can my employer force me to use my vacation/PTO/sick leave before I file for benefits?
That is up to the employer, DLR has no jurisdiction over this.
If I'm under 18, do I qualify?
During the school year, high school students would not be eligible due to compulsory school age requirements, but they may be eligible once the school ends.
I’m a college student, can I apply?
As a college student, you might be eligible. Your qualification for benefits will be determined based on a few factors. If this application is for summer employment, you cannot apply until the Sunday after the first day you would have started work.
I am still working at my full-time job but am being laid off from my part-time job, can I file for benefits?
If you are still working full-time then you would not be considered eligible to receive state reemployment assistance benefits as you do not meet the definition of unemployed.
Can I work at all while I am receiving reemployment assistance?
Yes, you can work and may receive partial benefits. Hours worked and wages earned need to be reported when you file your weekly request for benefits.
Can I work part-time/reduced hours and still receive benefits?
You may be eligible if working part time or work reduced hours. If you earn less than your weekly benefit amount for the week, you would be eligible for payment. The payment would be the difference in your weekly benefit amount and what you have earned.
Why are there employers already listed in my claim?
Enter the dates and complete the information for the employer, even if not your most recent employer. If the employer shows up twice with the same employment dates, complete information for both.
I filed online and got my confirmation number. When will I know if I am eligible?
You should check your online account for updated information regarding eligibility. You will receive a packet in the mail with your monetary eligibility determination.
I didn’t get my packet.
If you have not received your packet you should have still received filing instructions. Your packet should be coming soon. In the meantime, you can view the RA Claimant Handbook online at dlr.sd.gov/ra/publications/ra-claimant-handbook.pdf. You can also call and verify your address.
I received a monetary determination letter with my benefit amount saying I’m eligible. Why does my Payment History say “Eligibility has not been decided”?
The monetary determination letter indicates whether you have been approved for unemployment benefits, but eligibility each week is determined through your weekly request for payment. If answers on your weekly request differ from your initial claim, we may need to review on our end. This doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Continue to request weekly payment. We are working as quickly as we can to resolve and payment will be made if found eligible.
How do I file a weekly request for benefits?
File online at RAClaims.sd.gov or by calling 605.626.3212. You have to wait until the week is over in order to file (week runs Sunday through Saturday). File the following the week for the week you are claiming benefits for.
How do I get my PIN number for filing weekly requests for benefits over the phone?
You will create your PIN during your first weekly request for payment when filing over the phone.
How do I calculate gross wages for the week on my requests for payment?
Gross wages are calculated by multiplying your hourly rate of pay times the number of hours you worked during the claim week.
Will my Social Security or retirement benefits have an impact on my claim?
No, social security benefits do not need to be reported and will not reduce your benefits. Retirement benefits only need to be deducted if benefits AND wages are received from that same employer during the base period.
Can I get a Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) form from you?
No. Your employer is responsible for providing any FMLA forms for your healthcare provider to fill out.
BENEFIT PAYMENTS
What day of the week are RA benefits paid?
Reemployment Assistance benefit payments are not issued on a specific day of the week. Once you request weekly payment and are determined eligible for the weekly request, it can take 2-3 business days for payment to be received. If there are issues that need to be investigated with your weekly request in order to determined eligibility, payments will be delayed and only paid if you are eligible for that week.
How will my child support payments affect my weekly benefit amount?
Your child support deduction will be based off of your weekly benefit. The deduction cannot be more than 50% of your total amount.
What is the fastest way to get paid?
Direct deposit is the quickest way to receive your benefit payments. the Way2Go debit card will add additional processing days.
I got my Way2Go debit card, but it shows a $0 balance.
Your Way2Go Card must be activated before your payments will be reflected. For more information about the debit card or to report a lost/stolen card, contact Way2Go Card Customer Service at 844.893.3123 or goprogram.com.
How do I report a lost or stolen debit card?
Please contact Way2Go Card Customer Service at 844.893.3123 or go to goprogram.com.
ELECTRONIC CORRESPONDENCE/EMAIL
How do I view new online correspondence/emails?
Log in to the RA Benefits Portal and click on View Correspondence (below the My Claim Status section). Select Electronic Correspondence from the blue bar at the top.
If you are having issues accessing your correspondence, please contact Customer Service Center at 605.626.2452 for help.
UPDATING ACCOUNT INFORMATION
How do I update my address online?
Log in to the RA Benefits Portal and click on Update Address/Payment Method (below the My Claim Status section). In the blue bar at the top, select Profile and then View/Update information from the drop down box.
How do I change the taxes being withheld?
The RA Division will need to make the change. Send an email to DLRRADivision@state.sd.us or call Customer Service at 605.626.2452.
TROUBLESHOOTING
User name and password not working?
Please contact the Customer Service Center at 605.626.2452 for assistance with user name or password.
How do I fix an error on my Social Security Number?
Please call 605.626.2452 or 605.626.3179 to let them know what number you entered. You most likely will need to start a new claim with the correct SSN, and you will need to create a new User ID and password.
When I try to file my weekly request it says SSN not on file?
If you're trying to file a weekly request in the same week you filed your initial claim, and get the message SSN not on file, you are most likely requesting weekly payment to early. Wait until Sunday and try again.
I tried to file online but got an error message.
If you are having issues filing a claim online please email DLRRADivision@state.sd.us or call Customer Service at 605.626.2452.
When I try to file a weekly request, it says “You cannot file a weekly request until the week is over” BUT I have not filed this week yet?
Please contact the Customer Service Center 605.626.2452.
I got a message that my weekly request has an issue. What does that mean?
The answers you reported when you filed your weekly request for benefits have created a potential issue that will need to be reviewed. Reemployment Assistance Benefits staff will be reviewing the issue and may be contacting you to resolve it.
APPEALS
How do I file an appeal?
Please see our Appeals page at https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/individuals/appeals.aspx.
OVERPAYMENTS
We accept credit/debit cards, money orders and checks. You can also pay electronically from your checking or savings account.
Reemployment Assistance Division - Benefit Payment Control Unit
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
P.O. Box 4730
Aberdeen, SD 57402-4730
Please note: Your file number must be included in all correspondence.
For more Overpayment FAQs, please see: dlr.sd.gov/ra/overpayments/faq.aspx