The Questions That the Unemployment Interviewer Asks
As millions of Americans file for jobless benefits, the process can be expedited if applicants are aware of the information required by the state unemployment office. Whether filing over the phone, online or in person, having the answers to required questions about unemployment can result in the efficient completion of initial claim forms, and quick benefit payments.
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Reason for Termination
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The main question asked by unemployment interviewers is the reason for job loss. If an applicant is terminated due to a layoff or a company dismissal, he is usually eligible for benefits. However, if the applicant quit or otherwise left his job, he is not eligible for benefits. According to the United States Department of Labor, a worker must become unemployed through no fault of his own in order to collect unemployment benefits. After the initial application is received, the unemployment interviewer will generally conduct a phone interview to follow up on information about the applicant's job history to determine if the termination event qualifies the worker for benefits.
Work Status
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The unemployment office must verify the applicant's work status. Filing applications ask if the worker is a U.S citizen, as workers with work permits or visas are generally not eligible to file unemployment claims. The unemployment office must also verify that the applicant is willing and able to work. Applicants who are unable to work due to injury or disability are usually not eligible for unemployment benefits, but may be eligible for workman's compensation or disability payments.
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Personal Information
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The unemployment interviewer will require a form to be completed with personal information such as home address, Social Security number and former employers' addresses. This form can be completed online, in person or over the phone. The Social Security number is required to verify citizenship status and to prepare income tax documents. Residence and work location information shows the unemployment office where the worker was employed, which is used to determine the state responsible for issuing payments.
Wages
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Unemployment interviewers need to determine wages in order to calculate the applicant's benefit bracket. Most states use a base period of one calendar year to determine average annual wages, and the wage information is provided by the IRS. Once an initial claim is approved, the worker must continue to answer questions about any wages earned while collecting unemployment benefits. These questions can be answered during the worker's weekly or biweekly claim through his preferred filing method--over the phone, in person or on the state's unemployment insurance website.
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References
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