How to Check for Unemployment Eligibility

Just because you lost your job recently does not automatically mean you are entitled to unemployment benefits. The truth is that a large percentage of people are not, something they only find out after getting negative answers from the unemployment office. To save you time and aggravation, it makes more sense to simply check for unemployment eligibility before you go through the long and difficult application process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Contact your state's unemployment office to find out if you are eligible for unemployment benefits. You can do this over the Internet or by phone, but keep in mind that you need to contact the agency in the state where you worked, even if you have moved since the time you lost your job.
2. Make sure you can answer yes to each of these three questions: were you fired or lost your job because of something related to your employer (not because of something you did), was your salary high enough to pay all your basic expenses (part-time or seasonal work usually does not qualify you for unemployment) and are you able to work again (injured, retired or people unwilling to work do not qualify for unemployment)?
3. Check to see if your state's unemployment office has a website (not all states have it). If it does, it will list all of the steps required for your state to apply for unemployment, along with specifics such as exceptions, extensions and paperwork required to file.
4. Check the US Department of Labor's official website if your state does not have its own website (see Resources below). The website provides general information on unemployment eligibility, along with specific about new laws, benefits and job and career assistance.
5. Call the unemployment office in your state if it provides a phone number. Filing for unemployment can be quite daunting, and talking to a real person may make the process easier and faster. A phone call is the best option if you cannot find information online or are confused by what you read.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unable or unwilling to work again, you do not qualify for unemployment. In these cases, you may be better off applying for disability benefits.
• Unemployment benefits are not available for people working in the US with temporary visas or for illegal immigrants.