Benefits When Unemployed, How to Qualify, and Tips

Unemployment benefits, which are also known as unemployment compensation and unemployment insurance, refer to the governmental assistance provided to professionals who lose their occupations. This assistance is handled by both federal and state authorities. Essentially, each state administers a unique benefits program according to federal regulations. Unemployment benefits include:

• Income replacement: You will receive a percentage of the income you earned during a 52-week period prior to being unemployed.
• Unique benefits in each state: As each state has its own unemployment insurance program, the manner in which benefits are calculated varies. For example, some states provide half of one’s earnings with a set maximum amount while others provide a lesser percentage.
• Direct benefit from the government: Upon qualifying for unemployment insurance, you can expect the transfer to take place through direct deposit or unemployment check. You may also receive a debit card which you can use to access the benefits.
• Regular weekly benefits: You can receive a financial benefit each week, which you can use to handle your responsibilities and expenses while you look for work. These benefits are usually provided for a maximum of 26 weeks. However, in periods in which there is a high level of unemployment due to situations such as health emergencies, the duration for receiving unemployment benefits can be extended.
• Convenient process for approved claims: When your claim for unemployment compensation is approved, you can file for it each week via the mail, internet, or phone, detailing your job search and earnings.

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It’s best to learn about how you can qualify for benefits when unemployed, so you know what to do if you need them. By following a process that is comprised of several essential activities you need to complete, you can improve your chances of accessing the assistance you need during a period of unemployment. You can use the following steps:

1. After losing a full-time job, determine if you’re eligible for benefits

Government assistance for unemployed professionals is subject to several conditions you must meet before making a claim, such as:

• You have worked for a sufficient period. You must meet your state’s requirement on the minimum duration of employment. Usually, you’re required to have an employment record spanning a minimum of two calendar quarters.
• Your state of unemployment is not of your own choosing. Your unemployment must not be due to decisions you have made. Basically, you’re eligible for unemployment benefits only if you have lost your job due to things beyond your control, such as the closure of your company or layoffs. For example, you’re not eligible for this assistance if you have been fired from your job due to misconduct within the company or outside the company. In this context, misconduct refers to doing something dangerous or illegal.
• Your previous earnings meet the standard. States have a minimum earnings standard professionals have to reach to qualify for unemployment benefits. For example, in New York, this standard is $2,600 for one calendar quarter.
• You’re involved in the job search. Typically, you’re expected to register with the state’s job service and look for work to qualify for this governmental assistance. You will need to show evidence of actively searching for jobs.

While the above requirements are generally applicable in most states for qualifying for unemployment benefits after losing your full-time job, policies can vary. Call your state’s unemployment insurance agency to find out the exact requirements on working period, unemployment causes, previous earnings, and current job search for qualifying under the state’s unemployment insurance program.

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2. After the partial loss of employment, determine if you’re eligible for benefits

Part-time workers or those whose hours have been cut back unexpectedly may also be entitled to governmental assistance, providing they meet the following criteria:

• Your loss of hours is not of your own choosing. Your work hours have been reduced due to external reasons that you could not control, such as your company being restructured, liquidated, or sold.
• You have lost one of your part-time jobs. If you have several part-time jobs and have lost one, many states provide assistance via their benefits program.
• You’re working part-time after losing your full-time job. You can be eligible for benefits if you have lost your full-time job and found part-time employment.
• You meet the time-of-employment requirement. You must meet your state’s requirement for the minimum duration of employment.
• You meet the minimum earnings requirement. Your earnings must reach your state’s minimum to qualify for benefits.

The above eligibility requirements are applicable for many states, but there are outliers. Contact your state’s unemployment insurance agency and find out the conditions you have to meet in relation to your circumstances.

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3. Double-check your eligibility for unemployment benefits

Use the research you did in the previous steps to confirm that you meet all your state’s requirements to qualify for benefits when unemployed. Make a checklist of your state’s requirements that are applicable to your situation, review your circumstances in relation to each one, and find any issues you need to resolve.

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4. Make a claim for unemployment benefits

When you have confirmed that you meet all the eligibility criteria, make a claim for unemployment benefits. Here is the personal information you will need to do so:

• Social Security number
• State ID card number or driver’s license
• Phone number
• Mailing address with zip code
• Employment details for the last two years

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There are several reasons for being disqualified from claiming unemployment benefits, such as:

• You quit your job to get married.
• You’re involved in a labor dispute.
• You quit your previous job without cause.
• You were fired from your previous occupation due to misconduct.
• You’re following a program in school.
• You resigned from your previous job due to being unwell.

If you find yourself unemployed, use the following tips to handle this difficult period effectively:

• Benefit from government resources. Use the website of the Department of Labor, which can direct you to great resources on job training, interview preparation, job fairs, and job postings. Additionally, use career counseling and other resources provided by your state’s job service office to improve your chances of finding a job.
• Try to get a part-time job. While getting your dream job may take time, you can get an entry-level, part-time job relatively quickly. Doing so can also bolster your eligibility for getting unemployment benefits. Additionally, your earnings from your temporary job can cover your immediate needs, which will enable you to keep the safety net of unemployment benefits for when you need it.
• Invest in the job search. Allocate several hours each day to your job search. Make a list of companies that match your strengths, develop letters of intent tailored to each enterprise, and send them to the heads of the departments you want to work in. Keep applying until you find a job.
• Use reputed professional resources. Use quality, free resources on the internet to improve your performance during the recruitment process. Focus on areas such as preparing for interview questions, improving your cover letter and resume, and learning stress management techniques for use before interviews.
• Use the opportunity to develop your strengths. Take advantage of your period of unemployment to improve your soft and hard skills with free online resources. Gain industry experience in key areas by volunteering.
• Be optimistic. While you’re going through a difficult period of unemployment, it’s important to develop and maintain your positivity and motivation to find work. Believe in yourself and your ability to find a new job that works for you.

As discussed, learning about the conditions you need to meet to qualify for benefits when unemployed can improve your chances of making a successful claim. Leverage the tips you learned to make the best use of your benefits and get a rewarding job in the near future.