More than half of unemployed workers do not claim unemployment benefits because either they think filing for unemployment is a complex process or they may not qualify for the benefits. Contrary to the popular belief, many people do qualify for benefits and state unemployment offices have reduced the amount of necessary paperwork over a period of time. This article will explain the eligibility criteria for filing unemployment benefits. ©FEMP9
The eligibility criteria varies depending on the state where you file for unemployment benefits. However the following general guidelines will help you determine overall eligibility.
Voluntary Separation Were you fired by your employer or lost your job because of misconduct or due to disciplinary action? If so, you may not qualify. However, that is not the end of the road. You may be still eligible provided you meet certain special conditions such as hazardous or inhuman working conditions. Contact your state unemployment office to learn more about this clause, or possibly hire an attorney if it makes financial sense.
Severance Packages If you have received severance package from your previous job separation, you are not likely to qualify for the benefits
Ability to workYou must be willing and able to work and must be actively seeking for jobs. If you are physically unfit due to medical reasons, UI benefits do not provide coverage and you should pursue disability insurance instead. Attending full-time college programs may also disqualify you from claiming benefits unless you can prove that you are actively seeking work and willing to quit school if you get full time job.
Wage Credits You must have earned wages during unemployment base period prior to filing the initial claim for unemployment benefits. Base period and prior earnings eligibility varies across states. Some states require that your salary in the base period be high enough to pay all your basic expenses.
Authorization to work in United States Only those who have unexpired work permit or authorization documents to work in United States can claim for unemployment benefits. Certain work visas require that you find a new job in the same field within 30 days of becoming unemployed. Since the unemployment filing process may take more than 30 days, such applicants will not be able to claim benefits.
Where to apply for unemployment if I you worked in multiple states or living in a state different from where you worked?
According to dept. of labor, if you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state UI agency where you now live is where you file your claims. They will check with other states and process your claim.
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Hello, I have been receiving unemployment benefits since last August through the state of North Carolina. I have had massive difficulty finding employment which has only become more difficult since my pregnancy became obvious. I am due to deliver my baby this coming August. At that time I will have exhausted my year of eligibility. My question is – do my pregnancy and birth effect any chance I may have acquiring another extension of benefits? After a year in NC, do I then receive benefits from the federal government or is there another tier of extension from my state? When I prepare to give birth and for at least a week afterwards, do I file my weekly certification as though I was “unable” to work for work? How does that effect my future eligibility?
I have a job currently in the mortgage business. I was lied to by the 2 loan officers that I assist at the time they offered me to job (1 year ago). They told me they closed 50% more business consistently than they do or ever have. My pay is a base plus bonus, based on the amount of business that they close, so my income is far less than they lead me to believe it would be. I left a job that paid me twice as much as I am currently making to go to this company based on the lies. Aside from leading me to believe that I wold make a certain amount of money, they also said I would have balance and be able to take days off and that has also proven untrue. I have been looking for another job but find that it’s hard to work a 9 hour day and job hunt effectively. I also do not work well with one of the 2 guys that I assist. I ind him to be disrespectful and to push his job and things that he should be doing onto me.
My question is this- if I quit the job due to insufficient pay, am I eligible to receive unemployment while I look for a new job? Would I need to have a case as far as the 1 loan officer that I conflict with? Ideally I want out of the mortgage business because it is such an awful industry now. The stress is killing me on top of being miserable at my job and not making enough money to make ends meet.
I have been collecting unemployment benefits for the past 2 months. I have actively been looking for a job and recently was hired b a friend who manages a sandwich shop. At the interview with the owner I was told my application was lost. The two days that I have worked there I have not clocked in or out and have not been given a time card, nor has it even been brought up. I have also not filled out any forms such as I-9 or W-4. My question is if I quit now will I still get my unemployment benefits. Am I even technically an employee?
im currently a employee at a call center that was recently bought out. Now they cut our wages, we still have the possibility for bonuses, not paying us for our ten min breaks or the time in rest room. they also changed the whole way they give commission so we never know how much were making. we were union before we were bought out but the new company and wont agree to any of the contracts the union have tried to incorporate our union rep quit after there first union meeting i was wondering if i would be accepted for unemployment ive tried call customer support and cant get a straight answer there telling me i would have to quit to see and with a 4 yr old i cant just quit with out knowing it i have a chance. please help thank you
It is inaccurate to say that a severance package makes you ineligible for benefits. You will not be able to collect for the duration of the severance pay, but in most states you will be eligible after your severance runs out if you have not found employment by then and you still meet the other eligibility criteria.
i worked in maryland march 2008 thru april 2009 then started in arizona may 2009 to july 2009 when am i eligable for unemployment in arizona
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