Being unemployed is the worst thing that can happen to anyone and most people who are in this situation find it difficult to cater to themselves. How do I qualify for unemployment depends on the state you are residing? Not all states offer unemployment benefits to their citizens so if you are in a state that offers unemployment benefits then you should make good use of it.
If you have lost your job you may be eligible to collect unemployment benefits while you are out of work. Eligibility for unemployment insurance, the amount of unemployment compensation you will get, and the length of time benefit available will be determined by state law.
However, you need to know that each state has its unemployment agencies that are in charge of overseeing employment and unemployment issues. Unemployment insurance is just a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers.
Who is Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
How do I qualify for unemployment is not for everyone and not everyone who applies for unemployment benefits will qualify? The unemployment insurance system is all about paying temporary assistance to eligible individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own. So let’s take a look at those sets of people eligible for unemployment insurance.
- To get qualify for unemployment benefits you must be legally authorized to work in the U.S
- You must have earned at least $5,700 during the last completed calendar quarters
- You must also have earned 30 times the weekly benefit amount you would be eligible to collect
- You must be able and willing to begin suitable work without delay when offered
And lastly, you must be unemployed, or working reduced hours through no fault of your own.
Who is not Eligible for Unemployment Insurance?
Just like I said earlier, not everyone is eligible to apply for unemployment benefits. Now, let’s take a look at some of them below.
- A member of the legislative or judiciary body
- An employee of a non-profit or religious organization
- A student in a work-study program
- A worker trainee in a program run by a nonprofit or public institution
- A consultant working independently
- A real estate broker or insurance agent who works only on commission
- An elected official
- A government official in a policy-making or advisory position
This set of people or personalities is not eligible for any unemployment insurance.
What are the Requirements to Apply?
There are certain requirements needed from you before you apply. So when applying for unemployment benefits you must:
- Be ready and willing to accept the work immediately
- You must have earned enough wages during the base period
- You must be available to work anytime
- You must be partially or unemployed
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own
And finally, you must be physically and mentally able to work. Registering with the state job service and seeking a job is a requirement while collecting unemployment in some locations. You must be ready, willing, and available to work when the time comes.
How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits?
How to qualify for unemployment has already been sorted out, read the rest of the article above to see how you qualify for unemployment benefits. Now, let’s take a look at how you can apply for it.
- The first step in applying is to contact your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as possible.
- Then you should file your claim with the state where you previously worked
- If you worked in a state other than the one you are residing in now then the state unemployment insurance agency where you live now can provide information about how to file your claim with other states.
- When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, like your address and the dates of your former employment.
- To make sure your claim is not delayed you must give complete and correct information
Normally, it takes two to three weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check.