How to Apply for Unemployment When Laid Off
If you have been laid off from your job, you should immediately file for unemployment. Although unemployment will only cover a portion of your previous earnings, it will provide some financial assistance as you search for a new job. Most states offer benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks; however, when some states experience very high unemployment rates (such as during the 2008--2009 recession) they will sometimes extend benefits for up to 13 additional weeks.
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Things You'll Need
- Social Security card
- Employment dates
- Address of former employer
- Paycheck stubs
Instructions
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Make sure you meet the requirements. Each state unemployment agency has different ones. In some states, an applicant must have worked a minimum of 18 months prior to filing his claim. You may or may not qualify to receive unemployment if your work hours have been reduced to part-time.
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Call your state unemployment office to get information on how to apply for benefits. The U.S. Department of Labor provides a list of offices by location (see Resources). Alternatively, check to see if your local agency has a website. You may be able to file your claim online.
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File your unemployment benefits online, in person or by phone. You'll need to answer a series of questions about your last employer, how long you worked there, how much you earned and why you were laid off. Make sure to have your personal information with you, including your Social Security number, the name and address of your last employer and at least two of your last pay stubs. Follow the instructions carefully and double check all of the information you have submitted to make sure it's accurate---filing incorrect information could hold up your application for weeks.
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Ask if you should start filing weekly claims (the documentation that proves you're actively looking for work) while the state processes your application. Some states will only pay you for the weeks you've filed claims. Even if you are not asked to do this until your application clears, it's a good idea to keep track of your job search in case the state questions your eligibility.
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Keep an eye on the mailbox, even if you've filed your claim online. It will take two to three weeks for the unemployment agency to process your paperwork (online claims may go through a bit quicker). After that, you'll receive a notice in the mail informing you of the unemployment agency's approval or denial of your application. This letter should provide instructions on how to continue receiving unemployment benefits.
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Tips & Warnings
You have to pay federal income taxes on unemployment benefits. Ask the agency to deduct the taxes from your checks or keep a record of all of your unemployment checks and expect to owe taxes later.
If you're asked to appear at a local unemployment agency, don't miss your appointment, as it may result in the denial of benefits.
