Filing for Unemployment Benefits

With the high rate of unemployment in our country today it is inevitable that many people will be filing for unemployment compensation insurance. The filing procedures vary from state to state so the first thing to do if you've been laid off is check out the unemployment compensation website for your state. If you worked part time or had a seasonal job, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits, however, each state is different and they do check your employment for the last 2 years, so if you had a full time job previous to the one you just lost, you may qualify even if you worked part time. It never hurts to apply anyway.

Filing for unemployment can be a lengthy procedure so be sure to have all the necessary documents in order before you begin. The documents you will need, whether filing online or on the telephone (some states offer you the choice of filling out and sending or faxing a form and all allow you to apply online which is the easiest) are: Your driver's license, social security number, paychecks for earnings while you were employed by the company, including the past 2 years employers and earnings, and your employers Federal ID number, which can be found on a W-2 form or on a paycheck. If you were a member of a union, you will need to give the name and number of the union, if you are a veteran or in the military, you will be asked for information about this and have the necessary documents in order.

You will be asked questions regarding your willingness to work. If you are disabled, you may be entitled to disability insurance. You will be asked to look for a new job so fill out applications, send out resumes, or file with your local employment office for assistance in obtaining information about job training. The employment office has job listings and they may be able to help you find a new job. Keep track of all applications you've filled out and write down dates and places where you have had interviews. Many state's unemployment interviews require you to do a work search weekly and you will have to document your findings.

While you are waiting for your claim to be processed, continue to file each week or every 2 weeks, which ever your state requires. If you have moved to another state you must still apply for unemployment in the state where you worked. You will receive notification of your acceptance in the mail so be sure that you give the correct mailing address when filing. Remember, it takes 2 or 3 weeks for your claim to be processed, but you will receive your first check dating back to the date you filed. This is why it is important to file for unemployment compensation benefits as quickly as possible after being laid off.