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Reemployment Assistance Benefits
Reemployment assistance benefits provide temporary financial assistance to eligible unemployed workers who lost their job through no fault of their own and are not based on financial need. Reemployment assistance benefits are funded through a dedicated tax paid by your former employer(s). As an employee, you do not pay any portion of the benefit costs or taxes. Your eligibility for benefits is based on the wages you have earned. In order to qualify for benefits, you must be able and available to accept full-time work. While you are receiving reemployment assistance benefits, it is your responsibility to return to the workforce as quickly as you can.
Filing a Claim
File as soon as you become unemployed or if your work hours have been reduced. Waiting to file may cause you to lose some benefits.
You can file a claim online or by telephone. Filing online is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To file by telephone, contact the Claims Call Center at 605.626.3179, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. (Central Time). For TTY service, dial 711 or 800.877.1113. Translator services available on request.
Please direct any questions to our Customer Service Center at 605.626.2452, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time).
First-time claimants, STOP! Before filing your first claim, read important tips to prevent the delay of your benefits.
Those filing a weekly request for payment for the first time, STOP! Read important information to help ensure the continuation of your benefit payments.
New RA Claims Online System Launched
We have launched a new RA Claims Online System. From this new interface, you can file initial claims, make weekly requests for payment, check Electronic Correspondence, and more. Please read and follow these guidelines for how to set up your account in this new system: English | Spanish | Somali
Read the RA Handbook
Our Facts About Reemployment Assistance Claimant Handbook, contains instructions and answers to many of your questions. You are responsible for reading and knowing the requirements and following the rules.
Questions?
View our Frequently Asked Questions or contact the RA Customer Service Center at 605.626.2452 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central Time) with questions.
The Claims Call Center and our Customer Service are closed on all state holidays.
Sign Up for Electronic Correspondence
You can select the Electronic Correspondence option if you wish to receive RA correspondence electronically once you are logged into your account. Any correspondence received in the mail prior to signing up will not be available through electronic correspondence.
Reemployment Assistance Quick Links
Eligibility
Your Responsibilities as the Claimant
File a Weekly Request for Payment
Help Prevent Overpayments and Fraud
Receiving Benefits
Payment Methods - Debit Card or Direct Deposit
Wage Requirements - Benefit Amount
Other Resources
Frequently Asked Questions about RA Benefits
Resources
The resources available below are in Adobe PDF format unless otherwise noted.
Publications
10 Things You Should Know about Reemployment Assistance rack card
Benefits Eligibility Fact Sheet English |Spanish | Somali
Common Mistakes Made by Reemployment Assistance Claimants (webpage)
Facts About Reemployment Assistance Claimant Handbook
How to File an Reemployment Assistance Claim brochure English | Spanish | Somali
Administrative Rules and Laws
Administrative Rules of South Dakota on Unemployment Compensation
South Dakota Codified Laws on Unemployment Compensation
Employment Services
View job listings with the State of South Dakota
Contact your Job Service office for help with your employment search and training needs.
Refusal to Return to Work
Workers who have been placed on a temporary layoff related to COVID-19 but have refused to return to work when recalled by their employer will lose unemployment benefits, except for certain circumstances. See guidance.
Contact Us
Reemployment Assistance Division — Benefits
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
P.O. Box 4730
Aberdeen, SD 57402-4730
Phone: 605.626.2452
Fax: 605.626.3172
email