Collecting Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits are meant for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Under this program, these workers are provided with monetary payments for a specific period of time or until they can find a new job. In the United States, almost all employers carry unemployment insurance programs. Those who have left their jobs on their own are, however, not eligible for unemployment benefits. These benefits are governed by state law and are distributed by unemployed insurance programs run by the state. As eligibility rules vary from state to state, it is better to research the laws in one's own location.

First of all, it is extremely important that you file to collect unemployment benefits as soon as possible after you are laid off or are fired from your job. This is because many times unemployment benefits come into effect only from the date your application is processed. As you cannot collect these benefits retroactively from the date you lose your job, an unnecessary delay may render you ineligible, or you might lose out on benefits that could have helped you for a number of previous weeks.

In order to collect unemployment benefits, it is essential that (1) you fulfill the criteria for hours worked and money earned during the previous fiscal year; and (2) you left your previous job for reasons that allow you to collect unemployment benefits. In normal circumstances, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits if: 1) you quit your job without good cause; 2) you are fired for misconduct; (3) you resign on account of illness; 4) you quit your job because of marriage; 5) you leave your job to pursue self employment; 6) you get involved in a labor dispute; or 7) you quit to enroll in school.

You should contact your state's unemployment office for directions on how to file for unemployment compensation. It is normal practice for you to be allowed to file over the phone. For filing a claim, you will usually need the following items: social security number, alien registration card if you are not a US citizen, mailing address including zip code, phone number, names, addresses and dates of employment of all your past employers for the last two years.

Most states pay regular benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks, although an extra period of 13 weeks may be granted if there is high unemployment. In several states, the compensation will be approximately half of your earnings, up to a maximum amount. In New York State, you can get up to a maximum of $405, which is half the state's average weekly wage of $810. While in Arizona, the highest benefit rate is $205. These benefits are subject to federal income taxes and should be reported on your federal income tax return.

It usually takes two to three weeks after your claim to get your first unemployment benefit check. As a few states, including New York, require a one-week waiting period, the second week claimed becomes the first week of payment. Once your claim is approved you should be able to file weekly by telephone or mail. However, many states are now requiring those to collect to participate in job training programs in order to earn their check.