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Applying For Unemployment
by Joan Xube on Nov.20, 2009, under Government
These days many families are out of work and their income has dried up. Without a source of income, the mortgage, rent, bills will rack up.
To those who have been laid off, you can get unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits are paid to help people get over their rough financial situation until they find a job. Money for the unemployment program is given by businesses through taxes.
If you are looking to apply for unemployment benefits, do soon as soon you learn about your pending job loss. This is because benefits will not pay out immediately. It can take a few weeks.
Unemployment benefits are meant to help you pay for basic needs as you get back on your feet and get a new job. Therefore, you will not get the same amount as you did when you had a job. Rather, it is a percentage of your last income.
Apply for unemployment benefits by going to a Workforce Development Agency office. You will have to fill out some applications. Otherwise, you can also apply for unemployment benefits online or on the phone depending on your state.
The unemployment agency will have to check and make sure that you had a job and you were laid off. Give them your pay stubs and W2s. They will call up your last employer and find out if you were laid off due to cutbacks. If you were fired because your performance was poor in the company, then you will not receive unemployment benefits.
Every state requirement for applying for unemployment benefits may be slightly different so check your unemployment office to find out what is needed exactly.
The agency also requires that you continue your job search. You have to submit weekly or bi-weekly proof showing that you are searching for a job. Some examples of proof that you can show include job offers that you have received or resumes that you have submitted to companies.
Unemployment benefits usually go for about 6 months. Depending on the economy, benefits could be extended. Each state can also have different lengths of time for giving out unemployment benefits.
Joan Xube is a financial advisor with over a decade of experience. For further information on how to apply for unemployment benefits, please refer to her website.
