Here at StateUnemployment.org, we host a wide range of articles, all offer information about the various benefits and insurance schemes for people who lost their jobs.
This is an all-in-one guide and if you are here, it means that you don’t have to go around browsing multiple websites to clear your questions on unemployment. We will tell you how to file for unemployment, the eligibility requirements,initial claims, weekly and extension benefits, calculate and compute weekly benefits and much more.This is not a government run website nor are we affiliated to the government in any way.
Now let’s take a look at some of the basic things you need to know.
State Unemployment Insurance
These are social welfare programs run by the state or Federal bodies and is also called as the “Dole”. It provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who lost their job due to no fault of their own as well as meet a few other criteria as specified by the state law.
Unemployment insurance payments are intended to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible workers.
Eligibility
The first and foremost condition is that you should be unemployed due to no mistake of your own. If this is not true, chances are that you won’t qualify for the Dole. Secondly, you must meet the requirements laid down by the State on wages earned during a “Base period”. And finally you should be able to prove that you are actively looking for a new job. Don’t worry – having a part time job does not always make you lose out on the benefits ( as long as the income earned from such part time jobs is below a certain limits).
Registering for Unemployment Benefit Scheme
It is recommended that you sign up for benefits as soon as you are laid off from work. Unless you have another stable job lined up, it is best to sign up for unemployment benefits scheme.
To do this, you must contact the State Unemployment Agency (UIA) at the earliest and give them your details. You can do this via telephone also. You will be asked to provide details about yourself and your previous job. Dates, addresses and every other detail must be accurately provided.
It is customary that your register in your native state, however if you worked in a different state for your last job, the UIA may ask you to register with the agency in that corresponding state.
Duration and Benefit amount
It usually takes around 20 days after registering, for your first benefit cheque to arrive. Some states have a compulsory one week waiting period. Benefits are usually paid for a maximum of 26 weeks. The amount of the benefit is calculated based on a person’s performance over a recent 52-week period. The amount varies from state to state.
Extended eligibility
*** Emergency unemployment compensation(E.U.C) remains expired as of 28th Dec 2013 and is not available across the country***
Should you wish to extend your eligibility period post the stipulated 26 weeks, contact the UIA and find out if they have provision for extension. If they do have, you will be asked to submit your details to them and ask for an application to extend your compensation period. You will be asked to answer a few inquiries. Further details can be collected by contacting an agent directly or via phone.
In addition to this, you will also be asked to report to the local Unemployment Insurance claims office at a specified date and time. Failing to report to the office may lead to termination of your insurance. Above all, you must continue to meet the requirement criteria in order to extend your eligibility period.
I was “let go” from my job today..