If you are either voluntarily or involuntarily dismissed from employment, you should look into whether or not you are eligible for unemployment benefits. There are times when a voluntary quit will qualify, under certain circumstances. You may have to appeal your claim, however, as there is always resistance to paying for a voluntary quit. Basically, you need to become unemployed through no fault of your own. You may qualify if you resigned due to poor work conditions or harassment, but you need to prove your claim.
If you are fired, laid off, or have seasonal work, you usually can qualify without much hassle for unemployment benefits. The claim would be denied, however, if the employer can prove that there was maliciousness or other detrimental behavior that caused your discharge from work. This may be the case if you are guilty of stealing company property, insubordinate, or guilty of other negatives.
First you make your claim, then wait for approval or rejection. If you receive approval, you will receive benefits from the week after your last paycheck, depending on your state regulations. If you are denied, you have a time period in which to file an appeal. If you get an appeal, you will need to attend a hearing to plead your case. Most benefits are for an initial time period of 26 weeks, and there may be an extension allowed following that time during times of high unemployment.
Benefits are about 60% of your weekly pay average over the previous base period, which is set by each state, but usually is within the previous year, up to a benefit limit set by the state. You must have earned a minimum amount set by the state during each week of work you use for your claim during that base period. The average benefit is about $400 a week maximum, for those who had the highest previous income, but it varies by state. You have 52 weeks in which to claim your 26 weeks unemployment. You can claim against multiple previous employers, as long as you meet the requirements of losing your job through no self fault.
While you are awaiting a decision, it is necessary to look for work, and also to continue to call in or make your unemployment weekly or bi-weekly claims. If you work, you need to report that income. You may still be eligible for part or all of your benefit amount even if you do some work. Benefits are subject to Federal tax.
Unemployment benefits are provided by employers. It is your right to claim for benefits if you lose your job through no fault of your own, and you should apply immediately. You are expected to make a good effort toward obtaining new employment, and the state agencies can help you with a job search. Unemployment benefits are intended to be a financial bridge but they cannot replace your regular income, and they do end quickly.
Related Links:
Unemployment Facts File for Unemployment Local Unemployment Office
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