How to Sign Up for Unemployment

If you've been laid off from work, continuing to provide for your family is one of the biggest concerns you're bound to have. Unemployment benefits can bridge the gap to help provide for your family while you look for another job. Learn how to sign up for unemployment benefits and have a check in your mailbox as soon as possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of citizenship
• Personal information
• Employment history information
• Tax information

1. Contact your local unemployment office. Requirements for unemployment vary by state so contact your local unemployment office to see if you can file your unemployment claim online or over the phone to save you from making an unnecessary trip into the office.

2. Fill out the paperwork. You will need to provide personal information like full name, address, Social Security number and mother's maiden name on your unemployment application.

3. Provide proof of identity and proof of citizenship. You may be required to show two forms of identification and a birth certificate when filing for unemployment benefits.

4. Supply work history and tax information. This includes your former place of employment's contact information, your former employer's Federal Tax ID number and your dates of employment with the company. You will also want to bring along your tax information for the past two years.

5. Submit your unemployment claim and wait for a response. After filing your initial unemployment claim you can reapply for unemployment benefits weekly.

Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor-Unemployment

Who Can Help Sponsored

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

[WordWhizKid]

on 11/6/2008 Thanks for the tips! It doesn't sound too complicated with these steps.