Helpful Tips for Applying for Unemployment Benefits

Losing a job due to a layoff is stressful. Luckily unemployment benefits can help relieve some of the financial pressure on individuals while they look for a new job. These unemployment benefits application tips can help ease the stress associated with applying for unemployment benefits and will help guide you through the process.

Applying for Unemployment Benefits - How do you know if you qualify?

In order to qualify for unemployment benefits, you must meet your state's requirements for unemployment and be determined to be unemployed through no fault of your own, such as in a company layoff or elimination of your position. Some states declared as a federal disaster area may also offer unemployment benefits to workers displaced due to the disaster.

Where to Start -Applying for Unemployment Benefits Tips

A good resource to start out with when applying for unemployment benefits is the Department of Labor. The Department of Labor has a toll-free call center available to assist individuals applying for unemployment benefits. The toll-free number is 1-877-US-2JOBS (TTY: 1-877-889-5627). Information regarding applying for unemployment benefits can also be found on the Department of Labor web site.

As soon as possible after becoming unemployed, individuals applying for unemployment benefits should also contact their state unemployment office. Many states allow individuals applying for unemployment benefits to make their claim by telephone or on-line. A great resource for individuals applying for unemployment benefits is the Career One Stop web site.

Unemployment Benefits Application Tips - Information Required

When applying for unemployment benefits, you should have the following information on hand and available before making a claim:

Name and address of former employer(s)

Dates you were employed

To reduce risk of having your claim delayed, provide complete and accurate information when applying for unemployment benefits. After submitting your claim, it may take two to three weeks before receiving your first unemployment benefit check.

Essential Resources for Applying for Unemployment Benefits

Having access to the internet provides individuals with a variety of resources providing unemployment benefits application tips. Web sites that are crucial for individuals applying for unemployment benefits include:
Department of Labor - www.dol.gov
Career One Stop - careeronestop.org

Job Hunt - www.job-hunt.org provides a complete listing of state employment offices.

Tips for Applying for Unemployment Benefits - How to Keep Benefits

After applying and being accepted to receive unemployment benefits, individuals will likely need to contact the state's employment office frequently to maintain their benefits. Individuals will need to follow the guidelines provided by their state in order to continue receiving benefits. Be sure to keep good records of your job search in order to maintain your unemployment benefits.

These unemployment benefits application tips should help reduce the stress of being unemployed. Take the time to get organized and have all of the correct information on hand before applying for unemployment benefits will help ensure the process goes smoothly.

Sources:

http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/unemployment-insurance/

www.Careeronestop.org

http://www.job-hunt.org/state_unemployment_offices.shtml

http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/uifactsheet.asp