How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance

While laws and application methods differ from state to state, in general, unemployment insurance programs provide benefits to workers who have been become unemployed through no fault of their own. Each state administers an unemployment insurance program within federal guidelines. Eligibility, benefits, and the length of time a recipient may receive benefits varies from one state to another. In most states, the funding comes from taxes paid by an employer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Apply for benefits, or learn about state laws and requirements, online or by telephone.

2. Meet the requirements of your state for the wages earned or the time worked during the time that represents your "base period" to be eligible for benefits. Benefits are a percentage of your pay for the past year that you were employed. The benefits are usually paid for a 26-week period.

3. Apply for benefits only if you have become unemployed through no fault of your own: downsizing, company closing, general layoffs and other similar circumstances. If you voluntarily quit or were discharged because of work-connected misconduct, you may be ineligible for benefits.

4. Contact the unemployment insurance agency in your state as soon as you become unemployed, because the first week of unemployment is usually not covered.

5. Look in your telephone book under State Government if you don't know how to reach your unemployment agency. If you have Internet access, go to the U.S. Department of Labor website and follow the links to the website for your own state.

6. Provide your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number, the address of your former employers for the past 18 months, the date you started and the date you lost your job.

7. Watch your mail for information and instructions that you receive once you have filed. You can file a written appeal after you receive your benefit determination if you disagree with the amount of benefits. It may take several weeks for you to receive your first benefit check.

8. Continue to file every week, or every two weeks, at an assigned time. You must answer questions about whether you are working and whether you are still eligible for benefits. Earnings from any employment must be reported. You must also declare whether you are available and looking for work.

9. Check to see whether your state provides employment services and training to help you return to the work force. You may be asked to come to the unemployment office in person for an interview.

10. Report unemployment benefits on your income tax return. Benefits are subject to federal income tax. You will receive a statement at income tax preparation time.

Resources

• The U.S. Department of Labor provides unemployment benefits information nationwide

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.