What is unemployment insurance?

Your unemployment insurance benefit is assistance available through the Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program. In most states, the funding for unemployment compensation is paid from taxes imposed upon employers. Receiving unemployment is your right if you lost your job due to no fault of your own and you meet certain eligibility requirements set forth by your state.
If eligible, you will receive a weekly payment for up to 26 weeks. During times of high unemployment, your benefit period may be extended. Each state determines the benefits amount, the length of time the benefits are available and the eligibility requirements. To collect unemployment benefits, you must meet the eligibility requirements of your state.

How do I know if I'm eligible?

In general, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, you must meet your state's requirements for wages earned or time worked during a certain period of time and you must be able to work. Eligibility requirement vary from state to state. To review details of your state's eligibility requirements and to find out if you are eligible for unemployment compensation, you will find links to each of the 50 states' unemployment websites on the next page of this article.

What do I have to do to claim my unemployment benefit?

Filing a claim for unemployment compensation is straightforward. Contact your State Unemployment Insurance Agency (website links are available on the next page of this article) to find out where to go or whom to contact and the steps that you need to take in your state. In many states, you can apply online or by telephone.
You will be asked for the following:

• The names and addresses of your former employers and your dates of employment.
• Your gross wages. You also may be asked for your latest pay-stub.
• Your Social Security Number.
• A government issued photo ID such as your driver's license.
• Your alien registration number (for non-US citizens).

Review the How to File a Claim section of your state's unemployment agency for complete details specific to your state. Links are available for all 50 states on the next page. When visiting or calling an unemployment office, be sure to have a notebook and pen handy to record important information given to you.

When will I receive my unemployment compensation payments?

In most states, you will have a waiting period, generally one week after you apply, during which you will not receive benefits. You can expect to receive your first unemployment benefits check in the mail two to three weeks after you submit your claim. In many states you can arrange to have your unemployment benefits check directly deposited into your bank account. Some states mandate direct deposit or provide benefits via a debit card.

How do I maintain my eligibility?

To maintain your eligibility, you will be required to do the following:

• File promptly by either mail, telephone or Internet the weekly or bi-weekly claim that you will receive.
• Report any earnings, job offers and evidence that you are actively seeking work.
• Report to the state unemployment agency in your area to review your claim.
• Are resources available through my state employment agency?

In many states, the state employment agency offers resources to help you find employment. Resume writing assistance, job postings, information on retraining programs and one-on-one counseling are among the many services you may find available at your local office.

How should I prepare to apply for unemployment benefits?

Prepare to apply for your benefits by gathering the following information:

• What your state requires to apply for unemployment (see links to state websites on the following page).
• Location where you should apply for unemployment in your state (you may be able to apply via telephone or Internet).
• Name of your last employer (if less than one year, include your most recent two employers).
• Address(es) of former employers.
• Last pay-stub.
• Last year's wages.
• Driver's license.
• Social Security Number.
• Alien registration number (for non-US citizens).