Jobs in Puerto Rico

How to apply for unemployment in Puerto Rico step by step

Updated: August 9, 20267 min read

Who qualifies

Unemployment insurance is run by the Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH). Broadly, you qualify if you lost your job through no fault of your own (a closure, a layoff or the end of a contract) and you worked long enough during the base period. If you resigned without just cause or were fired for misconduct, the agency evaluates your case and may deny it.

The benefit is temporary and the amount depends on what you earned in prior quarters. Exact amounts and weeks change by law, so always verify current figures directly on the official DTRH portal.

How to file

You file online through the DTRH unemployment portal. Have your Social Security number, photo ID, information for your employers from the last 18 months (names, addresses, dates) and the reason each job ended. After filing, you must certify every week or two that you remain unemployed and available to work, no certification, no payment.

Beware of fake sites: the process is free and happens only on official government portals. No legitimate party will charge you to 'help you collect unemployment' or ask for your password.

While you look for your next job

Unemployment usually requires an active job search. Document your efforts: which jobs you applied to and when. On MyPRjobs you can create email alerts for your town and trade (new openings arrive every morning without searching) and use the free resume builder to have your document ready.

Frequently asked questions

How long until the first payment?

It varies by case, the agency must verify your history with employers. File as soon as possible after separation and certify every period without fail, since uncertified weeks are lost.

Can I work part-time and collect unemployment?

In some cases yes, with a reduced benefit, but you must report all income when certifying. Failing to report income is fraud and leads to repayment and penalties.

Official sources

Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos

MyPRjobs is an independent job discovery platform. MyPRjobs does not process this application. You will be redirected to USAJOBS or the appropriate official website to complete your application.

Who writes this

MyPRjobs is made by one person in Puerto Rico who went through these processes: worked for a private agency, for the Government of Puerto Rico, and for the federal government. The guides are written from the official sources above and corrected when an agency changes a requirement.

More about the project