How to File for Unemployment in 4 Simple Steps

How to File for Unemployment in 4 Simple Steps The time between jobs can be difficult, but unemployment benefits can help alleviate some of the financial strain. State and federal resources provide temporary assistance to people like you who are out of work by no fault of their own. All you have to do is apply forunemployment andfile a claim. Then youll be able to receiveunemployment compensation and keep yourself afloat while you find a new job.Every unemployment agencys platzdeckchen of requirements for obtaining benefits will be slightly different, including the amount of time for which you can request assistance, the amount of money youll receive and the regulations (for example, you might leidlage be eligible for unemployment if you have part-time work in some states). That said, applying is typically simple and discrete as it can be done online.Who Is Eligible for Unemployment?You may or may not be eligible for unemployment, but your states unemployment site will be able to tel l you. Each state boasts different guidelines regarding eligibility and how much compensation youll receive if you are, indeed, eligible.Simply google unemployment in X with your state, and fill in the answers to the questions. Youll be asked about the period of time you worked, the minimum earnings you made, how you lost your job, when and more. If your claim is accepted, you can file for unemployment.Types of Unemployment Eligibility RequirementsThere are several types of unemployment eligibility requirements.Earnings Requirements To receive unemployment compensation, workers must meet the unemployment eligibility requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established (usually one year) period of time also, workers must be determined to be unemployed through no fault of their own, so if you quit or were fired, you may not be eligible for unemployment compensation, according to The Balance.Eligibility Based on Type of Job Loss A person is eligible for unemployment if he or she is unemployed for reasons other than his or her own fault, such as a layoff, according to The Balance. This means that if you quit or are fired, you are unlikely to be eligible (unless, perhaps, you were wrongly terminated or forced to quit).Hours Worked Requirements Additionally, most jurisdictions require a person to meet his or her resident states weekly requirement for hours worked or compensation earned for a specified period of time before being eligible to collect unemployment, according to The Balance. While each state is different, most people who lose steady, long-term employment will likely meet their states criteria so long as theyre not leaving their companies by any fault of their own.How to File for UnemploymentFollow these four simple steps to file an application for unemployment.1. Find Your States RequirementsEach state will have a different set of rules for those filing for unemployment. The U.S. Department of Labors main website can help you find your sta tes unemployment website, as well as all the referential information and forms you may need to complete your application.Once you find your state on the list, youll easily be able to research the best way toapply for unemployment online, by phone or in person by going to an unemployment office. You likely find your states application form on the internet, making it easy to file a claim.You should never use anyrandomwebsite to apply, nor should you rely on a third party to file for you. Itsillegal for anyone but you to apply for your own benefits and, in many cases, third parties that claim to want to help you are attempting to scam you for your personal information.Official government websites will end with .gov, so double-check the web address before entering your personal information like your social security number.Just remember to file in the right state. If you were working in a neighboring state before you lost that job, or the loss of employment forced you to move elsewhere, youll want to file in the state where you were employed, not in the state where you live.2. Fill Out the Forms CarefullyIn most cases, it takes two to three weeks for your first benefit check to arrive. Again, that will vary from state to state. Some will put you on a one-week probationary period, for example, meaning you wont get your first check until the second week after you file. Regardless, your unemployment benefits are important to you, so be koranvers you dont do anything that could jeopardizehoweligiblefor unemployment you are or impede thearrival of yourunemployment compensation.Something as simple as a typo on your application form could stall the process, so be sure to read over your unemployment claim carefully before submitting it. Also make sure you know all the information youll need itd be best to have an idea of what questions theyll ask beforehand so you can prepare. In most cases, youll want to have the following information at the readyYour mailing address, pho ne number and social security numberYour drivers license number or another form of identificationInformation about your last employer including the name, address and phone numberGeneral information like employer name, timeframe, etc. for all previous employers, though typically youll only need information for jobs youve held two years prior to applying for benefitsForms may also ask you if youd like taxes withheld from your benefit checks and if youre owed vacation pay from your previous employer. Theyll also want to know why you left the position to make sure it was no fault of your own.3. Stay on Top of Weekly ClaimsAccount maintenance is key. Once youre officially set up and have filed that initial claim, its up to you to make sure youre filing claims as regularly as required to steadily receive your checks. In most cases, youll have to apply for your benefits each week in order to receive them. Set up a weekly to-do reminder on your phone, computer or calendar so you dont miss o ut on that weeks worth of benefits. You can receive your weekly funds through direct deposit.4. Ask QuestionsFiling for unemployment can be stressful, but the above information should make your application for unemployment benefits much easier. Still, you might come across questions about how to file for unemployment, wait or refile your claims. In that case, your best bet is to contact your states unemployment office. Theyll be the best resource able to answer questions and provide any further information youll need going forward. Go reap those benefits