Unemployment Insurance

You may be eligible to receive unemployment compensation when you lose your job. United States workers who are out of work due to no fault of their own are eligible for unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks. Depending on your state, there may be eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance coverage, having worked for a certain period of time.

• Unemployment insurance is administered by individual states. Your local Unemployment Insurance Claims Office or Employment Service Office can inform you of the requirements specific to your state.
• Collect information about your past employers, i.e. dates of employment, addresses, etc. you will need complete information to file your claim.
• In order to get free services, including referrals to local job listing, training and counseling get yourself registered with the Employment Service.
• You must actively look for a job and not turn down any suitable offers in order to maintain your benefits.
• Do not delay if you are asked to report to your Local Unemployment Insurance Claims Office or Employment Service Office on the day and at the time you are called.
• The weekly benefit amount is generally about 50 % of the amount earned while employed. Each state has a maximum benefit amount, in which most states can pay benefits for up to a maximum of 26 weeks.
• Additional weeks of benefits are available during periods of high unemployment.
• Contact your local office for more information, if needed look up the state government pages of your phone book.