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. 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. Here’s how to apply for unemployment if you lose your job.