Are you ready to apply for unemployment? If so, know the facts. First, employment is a state benefit, not federal, and therefore the qualifications and benefits vary widely from state to state.
In many states (but not all) you can file over the internet, however, before you do, be sure you are filing correctly or you may receive a denial of claims.
First, you will likely need the following when you apply for unemployment:
- Dates you started and ended employment for the last two years - Income earned. Note in many states certain professions are not eligible, i.e. outside real estate agents for example.
- Exact name and address and phone of your previous employer - Federal Employer ID number (aka "EIN") as found on your paystub or W-2
- Mailing address, phone number
- Social Security number and Driver's License number (assuming you have one)
- Mother's maiden name for security access
- If military, your separation date. Whether you are eligible depends on several factors.
Generally, unemployment is awarded to those who became unemployed through no fault of their own, however, there are many exceptions. If you were fired or quit, you may still be eligible for unemployment benefits, depending on the nature of your dismissal. Such reasons for coverage in event of being fired, include missing work to prevent domestic abuse of minors, or loss of transportation when no suitable alternative exists (e.g. the bus), etc.
The maximum award is factored on your previous income. Generally, this can be up to about $16,000 as of 2008. To qualify, you must have worked (meaning cannot have been a student, or retired or otherwise not working).
You must be physically and mentally able to work. If you have doctor's orders that you cannot work, do not apply for unemployment but instead look into social security or other agency assistance.
Once you apply for unemployment, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to receive your first check, assuming you are awarded unemployment benefits.
We have a collection of secrets, strategies, and common mistakes you can avoid to help you get maximum unemployment benefits when you apply for unemployment. First, review your separation package. You could be owed money from a severance package.
In addition, many larger employers have "outplacement", in which they'll actively help you find new employment as a means to save them some money paying unemployment.
Your severance package will also usually cover extension of key services your previous employer may have provided, such as health insurance, and how to roll over a 401k, 403b or other corporate retirement package.
One other crucial common mistake people make is letting the emotions of their severance block making the correct and best moves for the moment. One of the single most important moves to do as you apply for unemployment is to maintain social contact with your previous co-workers, as they can help you find a new position and provide a work reference.
We recommend not withdrawing from these contacts out of anger or shame, but instead, actively work to keep key relationships alive and working to help you find new placement.
If you've found these tips helpful, be sure to check out the full 9-step unemployment system at http://www.Unemployment.ME It includes tips, tricks, and avoidable mistakes to help you apply for unemployment and get maximum award amounts, but also free info on unemployment grants, and a member's-only 9-step system to raise cash, secrets to finding and interviewing and negotiating an even higher salary than before, and much more.
About the Author
Tom Vecchio has helped thousands of people file for unemployment. He researches unemployment benefits compensation denials and strategies and claims. Learn more at http://Unemployment.
Things You Should Know About the Unemployment Department by Roger Vetsuba
So many people feel guilty or ashamed by the need to file for unemployment. They worry that the unemployment department will be judgmental or make them feel as though they've done something wrong for simply filing for unemployment benefits.
With the advent of so much new technology, the markets are changing dramatically and there is much corporate restructuring. Employees are being laid off even when they've done nothing wrong.
If this has happened to you, don't believe it's your fault. It is quite normal to be angry and upset. Some people become depressed when they lose their jobs. The unemployment department does more than just process your unemployment claim. They can help you to locate and access various resources designed to help you cope with the stress of unemployment until you do eventually find a new job.
Unemployment benefits are not a form of welfare, nor are they free money from the government. The funds were paid into an unemployment account by your former employer to cover you and your income in the event that you became unemployed.
As long as you became unemployed through no fault of your own, you are rightfully entitled to file for unemployment benefits. But there is much more that the unemployment department can do for you than simply process your claim.
The unemployment department was created to help people who have lost their jobs and need some assistance to get back on their feet. You may have been fired or the company might have downsized or you might have even become too ill to continue working.
No matter what your circumstances, as long as you're no longer working, you are entitled to call your state unemployment department to ask questions about your benefits or even about your eligibility for unemployment benefits.
Many individual state unemployment departments may also be able to help you with job placement and training programs. Job transitioning is never easy for anyone, so always remember that there is plenty of help available, along with community resources. You might even be eligible for emergency financial assistance if your circumstances have become quite difficult.
A quick visit to an unemployment department website will also show you options you might have for replacement health care coverage now that your former employer is no longer taking care of your health care. Call your local unemployment office and discuss your options. You'll be surprised at how willing the staff are to help you get through this time in your life.
About the Author
Tom Vecchio has helped thousands of people file for unemployment. He researches unemployment benefits compensation denials and strategies and claims. Learn more at http://Unemployment.
