Mississippi announces support for workers impacted by COVID-19

March 23, 2020

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security announced Monday that workers who are not able to work because of COVID-19 will be eligible to file for unemployment.

MDES modified existing unemployment compensations rules to allow workers to file a claim for unemployment benefits based upon these measures:

Those who are quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency,
Those who are laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employers due to COVID-19 concerns,
Those who are diagnosed with COVID-19,
Or, those who are caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19.

Workers can file an unemployment claim by clicking here, or calling the MDES Contact Center at 1-888-844-35777. The center will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays. The Contact Center will be open this weekend, March 21-22, and available to take calls from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

MDES encouraged online filing. A claim can be filed on the MDES website 24/7.