If you have been released from a job, you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. These benefits are financial payments sent to you electronically to help supplement some of the income you’ve lost.
Receiving unemployment insurance (UI) payments enables you to continue earning some form of income during your time of financial hardship. However, unemployment payments are not meant to completely replace your income; they are only a portion of your previous salary.
Your exact unemployment insurance benefits amount depends on several factors, such as the amount of time you spent working at your prior job.
Additionally, the wages you earned before applying for unemployment impact the maximum amount that you can receive. It is also important to understand that you cannot receive these payments forever.
However, depending on which state you live in and the state of the economy, you may be able to receive benefits for six months or more. Discover more helpful information about unemployment benefits below.
Why You Should Apply for Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment insurance is a government program that provides financial assistance to certain eligible residents who have been separated from their jobs.
If you have lost your job through uncontrollable circumstances, such as company bankruptcy or downsizing, it can be difficult to pay for necessities such as rent, utilities and food.
However, unemployment insurance can assist in making necessary payments while you search for a new job. Even if you don’t qualify to receive the maximum amount of benefits that your state unemployment program offers, any amount is better than nothing.
This is especially true if you have dependents or a spouse who relies on your income.
Many households do not have an emergency savings fund that they can use during times of financial struggle, such as an unexpected job loss or decrease in income. Applying for and receiving unemployment insurance benefits can help you stay on your feet while you seek a more permanent solution.
How to Get UI Benefits
If you are interested in receiving UI benefits, you will first have to submit an application. To do so, you can usually apply online, by phone or with your local unemployment or U.S. Department of Labor office.
Administrators at the office may be able to provide you with an application or instructions to complete one at home. Most states allow you to submit your applications using the following methods:
- Online portal
- Fax
- Telephone
- At an unemployment office
When completing an application, it is essential to include certain important pieces of information. For instance, you must include your name and contact details.
Additionally, you may be asked to supply your Social Security Number (SSN) and driver’s license or state ID. Therefore, it is essential to have these credentials nearby.
Moreover, you will be required to submit information about your previous employment. Details and contact information about your employer must be included in addition to the dates that you began and ended work with that employer.
Furthermore, you will be asked to list your gross earnings or pay rate and hours worked. Keep in mind that these application details may vary between states.
Factors That Affect Qualifications for Unemployment Benefits
Not every applicant seeking unemployment benefits will receive them. There are several factors that impact your eligibility for benefits and the amount that you will collect.
You need to meet eligibility criteria to be approved for unemployment insurance and to continue collecting benefits.
When first applying for UI benefits, you must submit information regarding your work history. Doing this allows your local unemployment office agents to verify that you have earned and accumulated enough credit weeks.
To qualify for the unemployment program, you must usually have worked a minimum of four out of five calendar quarters, or the past 12 months. This is called the base period.
In addition, you must have become separated from your job through no fault of your own. If you voluntarily quit or leave your position, you won’t qualify. Similarly, if you get fired for a violation that was documented, you wouldn’t normally qualify for UI.
Once accepted for UI benefits, you must remain eligible by filing weekly claims (learn more about that here). Maintaining eligibility involves being available and physically able to work.
Moreover, you must be actively seeking new employment and be willing to immediately accept work.
How do I claim unemployment benefits?
Once you are approved to receive UI benefits, you can begin receiving weekly payments. However, most state unemployment programs have a short waiting period until they kick in.
Many programs allow you to choose between direct deposit and an unemployment debit card. Nowadays, it is rare for unemployment offices to offer recipients the option to receive paper checks in the mail.
However, some state UI programs do deliver the initial payment as a paper check.
Different unemployment centers have different procedures for setting up your payment method. Some automatically enroll you to receive benefits through the state’s unemployment debit card unless you change your payment preferences.
Other UI offices may allow you to enroll in direct deposit during the application process. However, it might take several days for your direct deposit request to process, especially if you enroll after a certain time during the weekday or on a weekend.
How much can I get in unemployment insurance benefits?
The amount of UI benefits that are paid to you depends on your unique circumstances and the eligibility requirements that you meet.
Unlike other government programs, the amount of financial assistance you can receive does not always depend on your total income or the number of members in your household.
Rather, your benefits are determined by the amount you earned during the base period.
Depending on which state you reside in, there will be a different method for calculating how much you are eligible to receive. Some states calculate your benefits by averaging your weekly wages, while others utilize your highest wages. Ultimately, the best way to accurately determine your weekly benefit amount is to apply.
For how long can you claim unemployment benefits?
After you begin receiving unemployment insurance payments, you can continue receiving benefits for a limited period of time.
As with the amount of weekly benefits you can collect, the number of weeks that you are eligible for benefits depends on how long you worked during your base period and your wages earned during that time.
Many state unemployment offices offer resources to help you calculate the length of time that you are eligible for benefits.
Different states use different methods to calculate this information. Some provide instructions and/or charts to help you estimate the period of time that your benefits can be collected.
However, the only way to truly know how long you can receive benefits is to apply with your local unemployment office and provide accurate employment information.
