What is Unemployment Benefits?
Unemployment Benefits is a state funded program that pays you when you lose your job through no fault of your own. There are specific requirements you have to meet to qualify for this program. The requirements are the same for all states, but each state has its own unemployment Benefits program.
You will receive unemployment benefits from the state where you were employed, even if you currently reside in a different state. How much you earned and the period you were employed matters in determining the amount you will receive. See below for requirements.
Do I qualify for Unemployment Benefits?
Two primary requirements you must meet to receive unemployment benefits. First, you have to be in the threshold for earned wages and time worked in your state during a base period – states vary in what they consider a base period.
Second, your state will need to determine if you are unemployed through no fault of your own. For example, if you were laid off and you meet the state-mandated threshold, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
Other eligibility requirements you should be aware of:
- You have to be able to work, available to work, and actively seeking work
- If you quit your job, you do not qualify for unemployment benefits
- Self-employed workers do not qualify for unemployment benefits
- Some states do not cover part-time workers
How much should you be expecting?
Unemployment insurance benefits could be up to $823 per week depending on where you live (Check your state). On average, this weekly stipend is designed to replace half your regular wage. In addition, each state has different guidelines on how long they will continue paying you – the period can range from 12 weeks to a maximum of 30 weeks. In some cases, periods have been extended due to recessions or a pandemic, like the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Also, there are different guidelines on how much you can get paid if you file individually or if you file with dependents. Generally, if you have dependents and you include them in the filing, you could get paid more.
How to apply for Unemployment Benefits?
You can apply for unemployment benefits with your state over the phone or online. Once you complete your application, your claim will take two to three weeks to process and be approved. After approval, you will have to submit a weekly or bi-weekly reports to confirm your employment situation and remain eligible for benefit payments.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you were offered a job during this time, you cannot refuse to work and must report any additional income you make whether it comes from freelance or any side gigs. Misrepresenting information provided in the application or misreporting income can cause serious consequences as its considered fraud.
Information you will need to apply for Unemployment Benefits:
- A minimum of one year employment information for the previous year
- Social security number
- Citizenship or green card
- Basic information about you, such as name, address and date of birth
Unemployment Insurance Appeals
If your claim is denied and you are unsatisfied with the decision, you or your employer can either call, fax, send a signed letter or go in-person to file the appeal and ask about the reason why you were denied. You will have to describe in the appeal why you disagree with the decision.
The appeal has to be filed within 30 days after you receive the hearing. From there, it could take up to 120 days to get the final decision from the department of labor.
Where to apply for Unemployment Benefits in your state?
Click on your state below to see how to apply online, over the phone, and for other helpful resources:
Alabama
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Alabama, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $45 to a maximum of $275 calculated using your base period earnings.
Alaska
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Alaska, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $56 to a maximum of $370 calculated using your base period earnings.
Arizona
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Arizona, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $122 to a maximum of $240 calculated using your base period earnings.
Arkansas
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Arkansas, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $81 to a maximum of $451 calculated using your base period earnings.
California
To file an unemployment compensation claim in California, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $40 to a maximum of $450 calculated using your base period earnings.
Colorado
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Colorado, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $25 to a maximum of $561 calculated using your base period earnings.
Connecticut
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Connecticut, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $32 to a maximum of $649 calculated using your base period earnings.
Delaware
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Delaware, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $20 to a maximum of $330 calculated using your base period earnings.
Florida
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Florida, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $275 calculated using your base period earnings.
Georgia
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Georgia, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $55 to a maximum of $365 calculated using your base period earnings.
Hawaii
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Hawaii, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $5 to a maximum of $648 calculated using your base period earnings.
Idaho
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Idaho, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $72 to a maximum of $405 calculated using your base period earnings.
Illinois
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Illinois, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $26 to a maximum of $471 calculated using your base period earnings.
Indiana
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Indiana, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $50 to a maximum of $390 calculated using your base period earnings.
Iowa
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Iowa, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $62 to a maximum of $511 calculated using your base period earnings.
Kansas
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Kansas, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $122 to a maximum of $488 calculated using your base period earnings.
Kentucky
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Kentucky, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $39 to a maximum of $415 calculated using your base period earnings.
Louisiana
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Louisiana, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $10 to a maximum of $247 calculated using your base period earnings.
Maine
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Maine, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $27 to a maximum of $386 calculated using your base period earnings.
Maryland
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Maryland, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $50 to a maximum of $430 calculated using your base period earnings.
Massachusetts
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Massachusetts, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week could go up to the maximum of $823 calculated using your base period earnings.
Michigan
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Michigan, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $30 to a maximum of $362 calculated using your base period earnings.
Minnesota
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Minnesota, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $640 calculated using your base period earnings.
Mississippi
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Mississippi, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $235 calculated using your base period earnings.
Missouri
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Missouri, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $320 calculated using your base period earnings.
Montana
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Montana, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $139 to a maximum of $487 calculated using your base period earnings.
Nebraska
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Nebraska, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $37 to a maximum of $440 calculated using your base period earnings.
Nevada
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Nevada, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $40 to a maximum of $450 calculated using your base period earnings.
New Hampshire
To file an unemployment compensation claim in New Hampshire, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $32 to a maximum of $427 calculated using your base period earnings.
New Jersey
To file an unemployment compensation claim in New Jersey, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $677 calculated using your base period earnings.
New Mexico
To file an unemployment compensation claim in New Mexico, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $81 to a maximum of $433 calculated using your base period earnings.
New York
To file an unemployment compensation claim in New York, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $504 calculated using your base period earnings.
North Carolina
To file an unemployment compensation claim in North Carolina, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $350 calculated using your base period earnings.
North Dakota
To file an unemployment compensation claim in North Dakota, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $43 to a maximum of $594 calculated using your base period earnings.
Ohio
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Ohio, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $118 to a maximum of $424 calculated using your base period earnings.
Oklahoma
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Oklahoma, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $16 to a maximum of $520 calculated using your base period earnings.
Oregon
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Oregon, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $126 to a maximum of $538 calculated using your base period earnings.
Pennsylvania
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Pennsylvania, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $573 calculated using your base period earnings.
Rhode Island
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Rhode Island, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $51 to a maximum of $566 calculated using your base period earnings.
South Carolina
To file an unemployment compensation claim in South Carolina, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $42 to a maximum of $326 calculated using your base period earnings.
South Dakota
To file an unemployment compensation claim in South Dakota, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to a maximum of $352 calculated using your base period earnings.
Tennessee
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Tennessee, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week are set at $275. calculated using your base period earnings.
Texas
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Texas, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $465 calculated using your base period earnings.
Utah
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Utah, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $496 calculated using your base period earnings.
Vermont
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Vermont, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week can go up to the maximum of $436 calculated using your base period earnings.
Virginia
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Virginia, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $54 to a maximum of $436 calculated using your base period earnings.
Washington
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Washington, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $188 to a maximum of $790 calculated using your base period earnings.
West Virginia
To file an unemployment compensation claim in West Virginia, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $24 to a maximum of $424 calculated using your base period earnings.
Wisconsin
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Wisconsin, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $54 to a maximum of $370 calculated using your base period earnings.
Wyoming
To file an unemployment compensation claim in Wyoming, you may do it online or over the phone. Benefits per week range from a minimum of $34 to a maximum of $475 calculated using your base period earnings.
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