State Unemployment Benefits

The State Unemployment Benefits program (aka Dole) provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and meet other eligibility requirements of State law.These are social welfare programs conducted by the state to provide temporary financial assistance to the unemployed folks and help them obtain a job at the earliest.

Program Overview

  1. Unemployment insurance compensation (benefits) are intended to provide temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers who meet the requirements of State law.
  2. Each State administers a separate unemployment insurance program that adheres to the guidelines established by Federal law of that state.
  3. Eligibility for unemployment insurance, benefit amounts and the duration of eligibility period are determined by the State law under which unemployment insurance claims are established.

Eligibility

  1. You must meet the State requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a “base period”. (In most States, this is usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters prior to the time that your claim is filed.)
  2. You must be determined to have lost your previous job due to no mistake of yours. If this is not the case, the State shall conduct a probe to determine the reasons that lead to you loosing your job.
  3. To receive the unemployment benefits you have to be actively searching for a job. Having a part time job doesn’t mean you will lose out on the benefits. However the wages earned from that job shouldn’t be over a certain salary range.
  4. You must claim your weekly or bi-weekly benefits via phone or email.
  5. When directed, you must report to your local Unemployment Insurance Claims Office or Employment Service Office on the day and at the time you are scheduled to do so. If you fail to report as scheduled for any interview, benefits may be denied.
  6. You may also be asked to register with the Unemployment agency so that you can attain a job at the earliest. If jobs are limited in your field, you may have to undergo a few tests to determine your skills that can help you secure a job in other fields.

Filing a Claim

  1. Contact the State UIA as soon as possible post becoming unemployed. You can file a claim by telephone or over the Internet.
  2. Provide names, addresses and dates of previous employments in the last 2 years.
  3. You should file your claim with the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than where you live now contact the state UI agency where you reside and they can help you and give you information on how you can how to file your claim.

Registering For Work

  1. Claimants may be directed to register for work with the State Employment Service, so it can help you in finding employment. If you are not required to register, you still may seek help in finding a job from the Employment Service.
  2. Employment Service staff can refer you to job openings in your area or in other parts of the State or country if you are willing to relocate.
  3. If job openings in your field are limited, they can offer testing and counseling to determine other jobs you might like to do and are able to do.
  4. They will inform you on job fairs and give you updates on job database.
  5. Training and more career-related assistance from the Department of Labor.

Disqualification from Eligibility

  • Insufficient earnings – eligibility for unemployment benefits depend on your earnings during a designated base period, which is typically the past year. If your income during the base period does not meet the state requirements, you may be deemed ineligible.
  • Fired for cause when your employer alleges misconduct, including if you violated a company policy or rule.
  • Quit without a good cause.
  • Left to get married.
  • Self-employed, or a contract or freelance worker.
  • Involved in a labor dispute, like a strike.
  • Left to attend school.

Benefits

  1. In general, benefits are calculated based on a percentage of an individual’s earnings over a recent 52-week period – up to a State maximum amount.
  2. Benefits will be paid for a maximum of 26 weeks in most States. This can be extended by by the government based on the current unemployment levels.
  3. If your State is experiencing higher job loss rates, you will receive additional weeks of benefits. Some States provide additional benefits for specific purposes.
  4. Benefits are subject to Federal income taxes and must be reported on your Federal income tax return. You may elect to have the tax withheld by the State Unemployment Insurance agency.