How to Collect Unemployment

Losing a job can be devastating, and there are lots of complicated issues to deal with. Collecting unemployment shouldn't be one of them. Most states have an easy, one-stop process you can follow.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Telephone Book
• Telephones
• Social Security Cards
• Identification Cards

1. Find the state government pages in your phone book.

2. Look for the "Employment Department" listing. If it's not there, try "Employment Service," "Public Employment Service," "Unemployment" or a similar phrase.

3. Call the phone number listed. Make an appointment to visit the employment office.

4. Take your Social Security card and identification.

5. Give the representative your Social Security number and your last employer's name, address, ZIP code and phone number. Provide any other needed documentation.

6. Listen carefully to what you must do - such as actively look for full-time work and mail in weekly or biweekly reports - to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.

7. Ask the representative when you should expect your first check. (It may be as soon as a week.)

8. Ask what other services the department offers. Many states offer job placement and career counseling services.

9. Call the department with any questions or concerns.

Tips & Warnings

• You can probably still collect unemployment if you find a part-time job. Check with your state's employment department.

• You may be eligible for unemployment benefits even if you were fired, received a severance package when laid off or moved to another state. Give the office the facts, and allow it to make the determination.

• Remember to include unemployment benefits when you file your federal (and some state) income taxes. You can choose to have money withheld from your checks to cover additional income taxes that you'll need to pay.

• Unemployment benefits don't last forever. Find new employment as soon as possible.