How to Collect Federal Unemployment Payments

You must file a claim to receive unemployment benefits.

If you find yourself unemployed through no fault of your own, you could receive regular payments to help you financially while you search for a new job. Federal unemployment benefit checks, called unemployment insurance, are paid through state agencies. Eligibility varies from state to state and should be researched. You should file within the same week of your unemployment. While you remain unemployed, be sure to do what is necessary to maintain your status so you can continue to receive benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security Number
• Alien Registration Number, if applicable
• Driver's license or state-issued ID number
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of all employers within the last 18 months
• Records of earnings within the last 18 months
• Checking or savings account numbers

Instructions

File a Claim Through Your State

1. Go to CareerOneStop's state unemployment insurance program locator. Click on your state link, either on the U.S. map or in the list of states below. You should file in the state where you worked. If you previously worked in more than one state, you may have to file with more than one agency.

2. Research your eligibility for unemployment benefits, which will vary depending on the state. Click on the link under "General Information about the Unemployment Insurance Program is available at:" to go to your state's unemployment site where you'll find more information.

3. File your unemployment claim. Many states allow you to file a claim online, in which case there will be a link to a step-by-step process on the page you found in step 2. Otherwise, call your local office directly using the number indicated on the same page.

4. Fill out information requested accurately to prevent a delayed payment. You will need to provide personal identifying information and answer questions about previous employment and earnings. Often, you will need to provide checking or savings account information so that funds can be direct deposited into your account.

5. Appeal a determination if you are denied or disqualified from unemployment benefits as soon as possible. You only are allotted a specific time frame, as determined by your state, to do so.

Maintain Your Unemployment Status

1. 

   You must continue to qualify for unemployment benefits.

   Continue to file weekly or biweekly claims, depending on your state unemployment requirements.

2. Report all earnings from work, as well as all job offers and any refusals of work you had in the week or weeks since your last filing.

3. Report to your local Unemployment Insurance Claims Office or One-Stop Service Office for an interview when it is scheduled. Failure to do so could result in a denial of further benefits.

4. Continue to meet the eligibility requirements as outlined by the state when you first filed your claim.

Tips & Warnings

• Your maximum unemployment benefits are limited within parameters determined by each state.

• All unemployment benefits are subject to federal taxes and should be reported on your federal income tax return. You can choose to have a portion of your check withheld.

References

• United States Department of Labor: State Unemployment Insurance Benefits
• Rhode Island Internet Claims System

Resources

• CareerOneStop: State Unemployment Insurance Program Locator
• United States Department of Labor: Benefit Denials
• United States Department of Labor: Deal with a Job Loss