How to File for Unemployment Insurance

If you are terminated for poor work performance, laid off, or find yourself suddenly out of work, you may be entitled to unemployment insurance benefits. This process can be unnerving to the novice applicant. To begin, file online on the Employment Development Department site, usually listed under EDD of your state. It is important that you keep your last pay stub, any letters of termination, and relevant documents that may affect your benefits.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Fill out the forms online completely. Do not leave any blank answers. If a question does not apply to you, then fill in “not applicable” or your application risks rejection.
2. Now you wait. You should receive an award letter in about ten days telling you what your benefits should be, if your case is approved.
3. Some states set up a telephone interview, to screen applicants. Do not miss this call, or your application may be declined. Another interview that your state may consider is an in person interview with a specialist, to see if your job search skills can be aided. This can be a great information source, as the specialist will provide you with resources to help you search for work.
4. You may be requested to provide additional information about your identity. In some states, social security numbers are investigated, so be prepared to copy and mail in a copy of your driver’s license, passport, a W2 from your last employer or copy of a paycheck from them, address verification information such as a utility bill with your current address, and possibly a copy of your annual statement from the Social Security Administration to verify your social security number. In this case, a social security card is NOT accepted, as they claim it can be easily duplicated.
5. You will receive a live check from your state’ s EDD office, usually with a claim form attached to it. Complete this claim form on the last day of the two week period listed, usually at the top of the form. Send this in on the last day of that two week period, and NOT BEFORE that date. If you mail this in before, your claim will be delayed or rejected.

Tips & Warnings

• Always complete forms thoroughly
• Always make yourself available to the EDD office or they will terminate your claim
• Remember! The process is set up to allow your state to earn the most interest on the money you paid into the system. Often, this means checks are “lost” in the mail, so your state can milk the interest in the money sitting in the account.
• It your check is delayed, call immediately and listen to the recording. Some offices have a set time you must wait before they will allow you to ask about your claim. Don’t wait any longer than you have to, because this delays payment of your claim.
• Stay on top of your claims. Many of these offices have set up procedures aimed to discourage you, so you’ll give up. Don’t let them do that to you. You paid into this insurance for a reason and if you are in need, then don’t feel one bit sorry for collecting against a claim.
• After all, if you pay for insurance, then you are paying to cover a risk, just like auto insurance, or health insurance.