How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
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If you recently lost your job, you could qualify for unemployment benefits. Keep in mind that you cannot apply for unemployment benefits if you just up and quit your job or were fired for negligence or misconduct. However, there are some instances where you can still file for unemployment if you quit. Sometimes employers may find “reasons” to fire you to prevent you from collecting unemployment. If you ever feel like you were fired unfairly, your best option is to contact a wrongful termination attorney, but be sure to still attempt to file for unemployment while you go through that process.
Unemployment is meant to be a temporary form of assistance that replaces a part of the salary you’re no longer earning. Most states will grant you unemployment benefits for 26 weeks or half a year, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and can prove that you are looking for work. These benefits are managed at state levels, but federal guidelines exist. The complete name of this program is the Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program.
Since these benefits are funded through taxes paid by employers to states, the amount of the benefits, requirements, and duration vary from state to state.
There are two main requirements you have to meet before filing:
You need to have worked for a specific time period. Most states require you to work for a full quarter before you become eligible for unemployment benefits.
You need to have lost the job through no fault of your own. This criteria varies from state to state.
It’s important to start filing for unemployment as quickly as possible, since you’ll have to wait a few weeks before you start receiving benefits. Some states actually require you to wait an entire week after losing your job before beginning the filing process. You should always check with your state to see what the requirements are to avoid being denied just from not following the rules.
Here are the steps to apply for unemployment benefits:
Start by contacting your State Unemployment agency.
Visit your state’s official website to learn more about the application process. Some states give you the possibility to file online or over the phone.
Have all your information handy.
You’ll have to provide some information regarding the job you lost. Get this information ready in advance to make the filing process easier. You’ll probably have to give details such as the name and address of your former employer as well as the dates of your employment there.
Here’s what you need when you file an application:
Non U.S. Citizens
Your Social Security Number
Your PA driver’s license number (if applicable)
Your alien registration number
Name and address of employer(s)
Your Employer Information Form (if applicable)
Your mailing address
Dates of employment and reasons for leaving
Your Personal Identification Number, PIN (if applicable)
U.S. Citizens
Your Social Security Number
Your PA driver’s license number (if applicable)
Name and address of employer(s)
Your Employer Information Form (if applicable)
Your mailing address
Dates of employment and reasons for leaving
Your Personal Identification Number, PIN (if applicable)
All these things may not be required and there may also be other things you need depending on your state. Be sure to check your states unemployment agency for specific things you may need.
Be patient.
It shouldn’t take more than three weeks to start receiving your benefits. Your state agency can give you a more accurate idea of when you’ll start receiving benefits. However long it takes, be sure to file every week as instructed by your state unemployment agency.
Be prepared to be interviewed.
It may or may not happen, but sometimes you are required to go to your local Unemployment Insurance Claims Office for an interview. The purpose of this interview is to determine if you’re eligible to continue receiving benefits. The interviewer may ask questions about why you lost the job and your plans regarding future employment.
Keep the agency in the loop.
Keep the state agency updated with your earnings and employment offers. You might have to make phone calls or mail documents once a week or every other week depending on the state where you live.
Your state can also provide you with valuable resources. You might be required to register through the State Employment Service to be matched with open positions in your area. If your state doesn’t require you to register through this service to receive benefits, it could help you to register anyway so you can be alerted about available positions.
When filing for unemployment, you can only receive benefits if you are able, available, and actively searching for work. What that means is you are searching for employment, can work, and will work if there was a position or job available for you. This questions will be asked of you in some way, shape, or form when filing weekly for your benefits.
Other resources include testing, counseling, and training programs. These are options you should explore if you have a hard time with finding work in your field.
Final Thoughts
Filing for unemployment benefits is a rather straightforward process. Keep in mind that these benefits are temporary and take advantage of this time when you’re receiving benefits to look for employment. Since each state is different, be sure to contact your state’s unemployment agency to get all the information you need about filing. One wrong move can cause you to be declined for benefits.
