How to Collect Unemployment Compensation Benefits
The unemployment insurance program began during the depression days, authorized under the Social Security Act of 1935. Back then, its primary purpose was to replace spending power to those who lost their jobs, which was good for the economy. Unemployment can hit at any time. It is not welfare or charity; while you are working, you and your employer pay taxes into the unemployment insurance fund. If you want to learn how to apply for unemployment, read on.
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Instructions
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There are certain requirements one must have to collect unemployment benefits. To be eligible for unemployment, one must have worked enough hours, lost their job at "no fault" of their own, be physically able to work, be available for work and be actively seeking work. To apply for unemployment, you are going to have to fill out a written application and be interviewed by an unemployment office employee.
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To begin, you are going to have to find your local unemployment office. Before you go to the unemployment office, make sure that you have your Social Security number, the name and address of your last employer and the name and address of each employer in the last 20 months.
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When you visit the unemployment office, you will be given application forms and told to return for an interview at a later time. Your written application and face-to-face interview are designed to establish your eligibility for benefits. Remember, if any of your written or verbal statements indicate that you do not meet the requirements, you stand a good chance of being denied unemployment compensation benefits.
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When completing the application forms, your answers should be brief and to the point. Don't add any extra information that is not specifically asked for. Make sure that your answers are consistent and make sense. Your answers could mean the difference between collecting thousands of dollars in unemployment benefits and collecting nothing.
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The following question is probably one of the most important questions you will be asked to answer: "Why are you no longer working at your last job?" Of course, if you were laid off, write that in the space provided. If you were fired, but not by misconduct on your part, write "discharged without misconduct on my part." In a case where you quit for good cause, write "quit for good cause for a work-related reason."
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After the completion of your application, you'll be asked to go down to the unemployment office for your interview. The interview can take place over the counter or in a office. The unemployment office employee will review your application and make sure everything is filled out properly. You will be asked to provide details on some of your answers on your application. Again, don't over answer questions. Be brief and to the point.
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You now will have to wait to be notified in writing if your unemployment benefits have been granted or denied.
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If granted, you will receive your check every week or every two weeks, depending on which state you live in. Remember, to be eligible for benefits you have to be seeking work so you may have to report to the unemployment office the names and addresses of a few employers you looked for work with. Your interviewer should let you know all about this.
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If you are denied unemployment benefits, then the reason for the denial should be clearly spelled out. If you don't agree, you generally have about 20 days to appeal the decision. Of course, you will have to fill out a form to appeal and will have to put down a sufficient reason why you don't agree with the decision. It is usually better to pinpoint the specific reason.
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If you are denied and really feel that you deserve unemployment benefits, don't back down. Remember, you paid taxes during the time you were working and it is your American right to collect.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are collecting Social Security, you can not collect unemployment at the same time.
