Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions and answers about Unemployment Insurance benefits. If you've just been "laid off" you may find this helpful.
- QUESTION: Can I file for unemployment benefits?
- ANSWER: There are essentially two qualifications you must meet in order to collect unemployment benefits.
- First, you must have been "gainfully employed" for a minimum required period of time. This is referred to as the "base period." Most states define this "base period" as four calendar quarters out of the past five prior to filing a claim for unemployment benefits.
- Secondly, your job loss can't be your fault. If you were laid off due to lack of work or "downsizing" by your employer, you generally will qualify. However, if you were fired for misconduct or you voluntarily resigned, you may not be able to collect.
- QUESTION: Where do I file?
- ANSWER: You generally file in the state in which you worked and where your employer paid your taxes.
- If you pay state income taxes, the state in which you file will usually coincide with the state in which you file your income taxes.
- QUESTION: Do I have to go to the Unemployment Office to file or can I file online or over the phone?
- ANSWER: You always have the option of filing for benefits in person; however, you can file online by going to the individual state's online filing process. Click HERE to see our list of the state sites.
- You may also be able to file by phone and, in some states, that may be preferable to filing online.
- QUESTION: When might it be better to file either in person or by phone as opposed to online?
- ANSWER: If you situation is in any way outside the "norm" you might be better off NOT filing online. The online systems are generally designed to handle normal situations.
- Examples of situation out of the "norm" include: living in one state and filing in another and/or receiving severance payments over a number of weeks or months.
- QUESTION: When do I file?
- ANSWER: The answer to this question depends on the state in which you file and it may also depend on whether you receive any severance from your employer.
- In some states, you may file as soon as you are laid off. In others, you may have to wait until after your last severance payment.
- QUESTION: How many weeks or months of benefits do I receive?
- ANSWER: The answer is "that depends."
- For 2009, the standard maximum number of WEEKS of benefits is 26.
- The Federal Government, however, has implemented an emergency unemployment compensation extension for up to a maximum of 33 additional weeks.
- QUESTION: What do I have to do to receive the benefits other than file my original claim?
- ANSWER: You will generally be required to be available for work and need to be actively seeking employment.
- States have somewhat different requirements and you will need to ensure you know the requirements of your state. But, generally, the minimum requirement is that you need to apply for a minimum of two positions each week while receiving benefits.
- You will need to keep complete records of the jobs for which you are applying. This should generally include the company name, the position title and/or identifying code, the date you applied and, if you applied through an online system, a copy of the confirmation of your application.
