How to Claim Unemployment and the Reasons You Qualify

Unemployment, also known as unemployment benefits or unemployment insurance (UI), is temporary financial support provided by the government to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria and who have lost their job or experienced a radical reduction of hours at work through no fault of their own. According to usa.gov, the criteria differ from state to state, as do the benefits. Because the US Department of Labor together with individual states administers UI, the process is likely to change according to your state’s singular requirements.

You might wonder whether you qualify for unemployment. The minimum qualifications are that you are not at fault for losing your job (or the hours reduction), you have a minimum amount of time working, and you have earned a base amount of pay while working. Sometimes, because of unique circumstances, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States government and individual states offer or extend unemployment support and expand qualification requirements. This resource guide, organized by state, can assist you in finding your specific requirements as eligibility and compensation for unemployment vary from state to state. However, in most cases, the basic criteria that entitle you to unemployment are that you:

• Have worked for a set amount of time.
• Are not at fault for the job loss or reduction of hours.
• Meet a certain earned income threshold.

Eligibility requirements for unemployment

Although some standard requirements have not changed, recently introduced federal laws have expanded individual eligibility requirements. Sometimes, those who previously were not eligible to collect unemployment, such as contract workers or freelancers, may now meet requirements for support under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. You may be eligible for unemployment assistance programs if you are:

• A furloughed employee
•  A laid-off worker
• Self-employed experiencing reduced pay or opportunity
• A freelance worker with reduced pay or opportunity
• a fig-worker experiencing loss of pay or opportunity
• An hourly worker with reduced hours (because of coronavirus precaution measures)
• Unemployed through no fault of your own
• You or a household member is diagnosed with COVID-19 and cannot work
• You are caring for someone diagnosed with COVID-19
• You are now primary support because the head of household had died because of COVID-19

Reasons you might not qualify

There are some grounds that can disqualify you for unemployment insurance. The following circumstances may impede your eligibility:

• Dismissed because of misconduct: Being released from your contract for not fulfilling the obligations explicitly stated or for failure to follow company policy.
• Willingly quit without justifiable cause: Quitting your job without notice and lacking a legitimate reason.
• Not actively searching for employment: Those receiving unemployment benefits should be actively searching for a paid position that is like the one lost.
• Denied a reasonable offer for employment: Refusing a paid position offered can indicate an unwillingness to work.
• Cannot work: If you cannot work because of illness or disability, you may qualify for other programs and benefits.
• Granted severance package or pay: Having accepted and received a severance payment from a previous employer can be grounds for not qualifying for unemployment, as they intend many severance offers to supplement your wages while you find a new position.
•  Intentionally fraudulent actions: Failure to report a new job, source of income, or an increase in hours can be considered fraud. Most times the miscommunication is investigated and oftentimes they discontinue payments, and they require money returned. Depending on circumstances and investigation findings, violators can face hefty fines and jail time.

Check your eligibility according to your state using this drop-down menu. Under “State,” select the state in which you work, and follow the steps shown. Once you verify your eligibility within your state and submit your completed claim information, a claims manager or representative will review your file. The time this takes can vary based on their individual work-load and the number of claims being filed. If there is an elevated number of claims being reported, you can expect to wait longer to hear from the unemployment office.

Once they have determined your eligibility, the effective date of eligibility listed on your file is when your benefits begin. Sometimes, payments may be retroactive and cover the waiting period, also known as a “wait week” in some states. You can expect to wait from two weeks to about four weeks for processing and review of your file before payment begins.

Be sure you know the documents you need and the information required of you to begin the process for seeking your unemployment insurance. Although regulations vary from state to state, there are some standard forms to provide and steps you will need to take. To claim unemployment, you must be able to explain and prepare to provide the following details and information.

1. Know your state’s eligibility criteria. Research your state’s eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify. You can do this by visiting the unemployment site of the state you work in.
2. Identify the base period (of work). The base period is calculated according to your individual state. Typically, base period spans several quarters of the time in which you worked and is verified by your previous employer. Being aware of this can help you provide the proper information to the unemployment office as it used to calculate your eligibility and the amount you qualify for.
3. Provide information for your last employer(s). You will need to have updated contact information for your last employer. This will help the representative get the information they need to investigate and validate your claim.
4. Show the last day of employment. You can show your last day of employment by providing any documentation given to you upon release or providing your last pay stub. This date will be verified, so be sure to be as accurate as possible.
5. Explain why you are no longer employed. You may have to provide a statement verbally or in writing explaining the conditions of your release. Be sure to specify the conditions under which you became unemployed and answer questions the representative asks clearly and directly.
6. Present all required paperwork. You will have to provide some different documents depending on the nature of your situation and the state in which you seek benefits. However, some commonly required forms are: a valid driver’s license or other state issued identification card and a social security card to verify your identity, copies of your most recent pay stubs for income verification and payment history, and some proof of unemployment, such as a letter of release from your employer or an unemployment declaration. Gathering this paperwork is a necessary step. Be sure to focus on your health and take steps towards self-care during this time.
7. Submit your claim quickly. You can file a claim in person if the offices are open. You may have to call ahead to make an appointment and ensure social distancing measures are followed. Some states allow for phone conferences to begin the process or to complete your claim. You can also file a claim online. Most benefits begin within a week after you experience the job loss, but waiting too long to file can harm your chances of getting the help you need, so it is advised that you submit your information as quickly as possible.
8. Select your preferred payment method. Many states pay benefits via direct deposit into your bank account. To do this, you will need to provide your checking account number and the routing number. You can fill out this information on a form or the unemployment office may also request you provide a blank, voided check. Some states also offer the option of an issued a debit card to collect unemployment.
9. Keep informed. Verify a name if possible, and a contact number and email of the representative handling your claim. After two to three weeks, consider calling or sending a notice of inquiry about the status of your claim. This can help open up communication and will give you the opportunity to provide all the needed information and documents quickly.

This new experience can be an opportunity for you to find a job that truly fits your skill set and lifestyle. Unemployment benefits can supplement your financial needs while you secure a position that values your contributions. Discover companies hiring by job title, location, and industry here.