Unemployment Benefits or Unemployment Insurance in America - Helpful TIPS
You may lose your job for no fault of yours. It could be due to relocation of jobs, closure of business or worst downsizing / restructuring in your company. It is always good to know and have information about unemployment compensation, who qualifies for it and how to apply for it. Department of Labor information sites can be a good start to obtain general unemployment compensation information, however you will also need to review your specific state’s guidelines on the process. The 2 good sites are:
http://www.dol.gov
http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/uifactsheet.asp
Although there are Federal guidelines, each state is allowed to set its own rules on how to file, within the guidelines. Therefore, benefits and eligibility requirements vary by state.For State’s information and process click http://jobsearch.about.com/library/blunemploy.htm
Unemployment compensation is a form of job-loss insurance established by the federal government; it is funded by employer payments. Every state has an unemployment compensation program. Each state has its own guidelines, so it’s important to find out what the requirements are where you live - typically, people are eligible for compensatory pay for up to 26 weeks (currently more), although this varies from state to state.
Qualifying for unemployment compensation: To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legally eligible to work in the U.S.
- Have lost your job through no fault of your own
- Have earned more than $1,200 in the year before you were dismissed
- Be ready to accept a job
Applying for unemployment compensation
You can look up the nearest unemployment office in the White Pages phonebook from your telephone company. It’s listed under State Government Offices (or similar heading), near the front of the phonebook. You may also access the website below to learn how and where to apply for unemployment compensation. thttp://jobsearch.about.com/library/blunemploy.htm
In some states, you may be able to phone in your claim. Here are the papers and other things you will need when you apply:
- Proper identification, such as a picture ID
- Proof of your Social Security number
- The names and addresses of all employers within the past year
- Some record of your salary, such as a W-2 form or a pay stub
- Documentation of any dependent child or children
- A notebook and pen to jot down any important information
- A book or magazine to read while you wait if you are applying in person
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