How to File for Unemployment Benefits

by Edwin Mwai|2012

Just the thought of going through a period of joblessness is one that comes with fear, uncertainty and a complete lack of confidence more so if one is the sole breadwinner for the family. This situation has been aggravated further by liabilities and the increasing job cuts that have become a common phenomenon in the job market nowadays. Luckily enough, the US Federal State Employment Program has offered some provisions to cushion individuals who have lost their jobs by providing them with a guaranteed source of income. To be able to get this income, you need to know how to file for unemployment benefits.

Your first move should be to make sure that you need to understand that filing for unemployment benefits will differ from state to state with each seemingly having its own unique criteria. In general terms, individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own making and who have fulfilled the criteria in their respective state can rest assured that they are going to get unemployment compensation.

Who is Eligible to File for Unemployment Benefits?

Before you go ahead to apply for unemployment benefits, you also need to know reasons why your unemployment benefits may be denied. Pursuant to the provisions of the law, you must conform to the laid down requirements for filing for unemployment benefits.
In understanding how to file for unemployment benefits, you should take into cognizance the fact that these benefits are only a short-term financial relief for individuals who fulfill the eligibility criteria of their respective state.

In understanding how to file for unemployment benefits also, you should realize that every state has it own laid down legal rules of operation as provided by the Federal Law. This means that in order to file for unemployment benefits, you should know that the duration, eligibility and the stipulated amount of unemployment benefits are a preserve for the state under which you are filing for your benefits. Most states will give these benefits based on the amount of tax that is collected from respective employers.

The Federal Law entitles one to unemployment claims based on the duration you worked in that state or the salary you earned within a set time period. Pursuant to this provision, you must have served in a certain capacity for at least a stipulated period of time.

When to File for Unemployment

Most often than not, most people have no idea as to when to file for unemployment benefits. The right time to file for unemployment benefits is immediately after you lose your job. Many people also have the misconception that the procedure for filing for unemployment is complex. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In understanding how to file for unemployment, you should be glad to know that the filing procedures have been made easy. What’s more? Most states will even allow you to file for unemployment online or through a phone call. What most states will require are:

• Mailing address, including zip code and phone number

• Social Security number

• Driver’s License number (if you have one)

• Veteran/Military separation date

• Mother’s maiden name (for security/access purposes)

• Name, address, phone number of your last employer

• Date started and date ended employment

• What your remuneration was

• Previous employer data, subject to how long you worked for him

• Normally, employer data for the previous two years must be furnished.

• Employer’s Federal ID Number this will be gotten from your paystub or W2 form

In understanding how to file for unemployment benefits, you should also ensure that the information you provide is from credible sources so as to ensure that the whole process works seamlessly and in an expeditious manner. If you happen to have moved to another state, you should apply for unemployment benefits from the state where you worked. The state unemployment office where you are currently living will be able to furnish you with a wealth of information.

Additionally, you should make sure that you keep applying for unemployment benefits at least once or twice every two weeks in order for you to maintain your eligibility. You should also take measures to ensure that you are looking for a job and that you keep the state unemployment office informed on your progress and/or status.

In accordance with the law, you may be sent to the State Unemployment Office where you can register if so required. The benefit of this is that the government agency will not only help you in looking for a job but also with the application process. Additionally, the agency may also involve the unemployed in training sessions and offer assistance for those who are interested in enrolling for the training sessions.

What Makes up Unemployment Benefits?

The unemployment benefits are calculated on your earnings over a period of 52 weeks up to a certain limit which will vary from state to state. This period must be a true reflection of the most recent job that you held. Once you have been approved for unemployment benefits, you should know that they will be available for a maximum time frame of 26 weeks. There is however an exception to this rule for instance in circumstances where the job creation is low. Failure to adhere to the aforementioned requirements could lead to the disqualification of your unemployed benefits.

Being Unemployed can be the most difficult time of your life. That’s why Unemployment.info was created – to make things a little easier. Whether you need to file for unemployment, need help with your job search, or need information on unemployment and unemployment benefits, Unemployment Info Center is your one-stop unemployment resource!