Are You Unemployed? Ways to Apply for Unemployment Compensation

Losing a job can hurt a lot, especially if you have been working with the company for many years. However, this should not be the end of everything for you. In fact, a lot of unemployed people now enjoy financial freedom from discovering a new passion or choosing to shift to an entirely different career path. Among the numerous factors that allow you to do this is unemployment insurance. For a remarkable period of time, this type of insurance can actually cover half of your living costs. If you just lost your job, it is important that you learn how you can apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible.

What are the Unemployment Qualifications?

First off, you need to know if you are eligible to apply for unemployment compensation. Requirements vary in every state, so you need to go to the local Unemployment Office in your area or check out its website, if available. Basically, unemployment insurance is granted to workers who have lost their jobs without a fault of their own. The support lasts for a certain time period or until you find a new job, whichever comes sooner. The phrase "without a fault of their own" is very important, as this will justify whether you qualify for the unemployment insurance or not. Also, its meaning varies on each state. Here are the factors that can disqualify you from the insurance grant:

* Leaving your job with no acceptable cause.
* Getting dismissed due to misconduct.
* Quitting your job because of illness.
* Quitting to get married.
* To become self-employed.
* Being part of a labor dispute.
* Attending an educational institution.

In addition to the above-mentioned circumstances, there are also requirements for salary and employment time during a certain period. These factors significantly vary, depending on the state you live in. As such, there is no definite amount on how much you earned or for how long you worked to become an eligible applicant for unemployment insurance. You need to verify with your state's local Unemployment Office to determine the requirements and qualifications. Generally, the unemployment benefits you are entitled to receive should be half of your earnings, a standard maximum possible amount, whichever is lower. These last for about 60 to 70 weeks.

How to Apply for Unemployment

Applying for unemployment benefits is fast and easy as long as you know the essential key points of the process. As mentioned earlier, the first thing you need to do is visit your State Unemployment Office or State Department of Labor Office. If you have Internet access at home, you may also apply for unemployment benefits online. Some states even allow applications via telephone. Ready all the information you need to provide such as your Social Security Number, Alien Registration Card (for non US citizen), phone number, mailing address, and the names, dates, and addresses of the companies or organizations you have worked for in the last couple of years.

Take note though that regardless of the method of application you choose, it may take weeks before your application gets approved. In New York, for instance, the waiting usually takes a week, with a possibility of delays. Once you claim your unemployment insurance, you need to continue your job hunt and file for your benefits weekly via phone or email until you find a new job.

In most state laws, applicants are required to actively look for work to become eligible for continuous unemployment benefits. It is also helpful on your part to register for work at your state's local employment office, where you can find excellent resources available that can help you with your job hunting. Such resources include career counseling, resume writing, and training.