Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Unemployment Insurance Division
Indiana · Unemployment
in.gov/dwd/indiana-unemploymentState Unemployment Benefits in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development administers unemployment insurance through the Uplink Claimant Self-Service system. When a claimant dies, DWD publishes a Small Estate Affidavit (State Form 54985) that a distributee uses to collect the deceased claimant's remaining benefit account, and a mail-in process for the claimant's 1099-G.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •The gross probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $100,000
- •Forty-five (45) days have elapsed since the date of death
- •No application or petition for appointment of a personal representative is pending or has been granted
- •List each person entitled to a portion of the decedent's account, and have the affidavit notarized
- •A statement that the request is for a deceased individual
- •Your name, address, and phone number, and your relationship to the deceased
- •The deceased's full name and last 4 digits of the Social Security number
- •A copy of the death certificate and a signed letter showing you are authorized
Required Documents
- Copy of the death certificate: when requesting the deceased claimant's 1099-G. All but the last 4 digits of any Social Security numbers removed.
- Signed letter showing you are authorized to receive the information: when requesting the deceased claimant's 1099-G
State Unemployment Benefits in Indiana: key facts
What Indiana says4
- Claimant portal
Claimants use Uplink Claimant Self-Service at uplink.in.gov.1
- Benefits at and after the death
A distributee collects the deceased claimant's remaining benefit account with DWD's Small Estate Affidavit (State Form 54985), submitted to DWD by mail or fax.2, 3
- Who may claim a final payment
The affiant swears, under Ind. Code 29-1-8-1, that the gross probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $100,000, and that 45 days have elapsed since the death.2, 3
The affiant also swears that no petition for appointment of a personal representative is pending or has been granted, and identifies each person entitled to a portion of the decedent's account.2, 3
- Documents for a final payment
The Small Estate Affidavit must be notarized.2
Forms Indiana uses1
- State Form 54985: Small Estate Affidavit
Collecting a deceased claimant's remaining benefit account; headed "For Unemployment Inquiries Only" and submitted to DWD by mail or fax.2, 3
Indiana unemployment benefits
Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Unemployment Insurance Division
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Tools for Settling an Estate in Indiana
Free tools for settling an estate in Indiana: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Indiana: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysIC 29-1-12-1, IC 29-1-7.5-3.2Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 3 monthsIC 29-1-14-1, 29-1-7-7, 29-1-14-9, 29-1-14-10Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Indiana requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040IC 6-3-2-1(b)(7) (as amended by P.L.80-2025 / SEA 451 (2025))Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
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