The loss of a job is painful, and sometimes the process of obtaining unemployment benefits can add to that stress. It can be difficult to communicate with the unemployment office for help with your questions or to resolve issues related to your claims.
During periods of high unemployment, the application process can become more challenging. Wait times are often longer, and electronic systems become congested due to the volume of applications. Economic crises can strain application systems that were designed for a much simpler process.
If you’re having trouble connecting with the unemployment office or facing an issue with your unemployment claim, the following frequently asked questions will help you navigate the unemployment system and get some answers.
What is unemployment insurance?
Unemployment insurance provides compensation for workers who lose their jobs. Typically, this means they were laid off due to a lack of work, not because they voluntarily resigned.
Cash payments are available for a limited time or until the worker is hired for a new job.
Each state sets its own criteria for unemployment insurance benefits. These criteria typically include earnings thresholds and work requirements for a certain period. In most states, workers who have worked for four quarters in the last five months meet the work requirement.
You can find information about collecting unemployment benefits and filing a claim on your state’s unemployment website. CareerOneStop, a program of the U.S. Department of Labor, provides a list of unemployment benefit programs by state.
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
Eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits include losing your job through no fault of your own – in most cases, due to a lack of work. There are also wage and work-related requirements that include working a certain number of weeks and a certain number of hours per week.
Additional requirements exist in some states, and each state has its own criteria for eligibility, so please contact your state’s labor department for more information.
What information do I need to apply?
When applying for unemployment, you’ll need to provide information that identifies you and your last employer. Depending on how long you worked in your last job, you may also need to provide information about your previous employment.
State requirements vary, but unemployment programs generally ask for information such as:
- Your Social Security number.
- Your driver’s license number or state ID number.
- Your full mailing address, including street, city, state, and ZIP code.
- A phone number where you can be reached during business hours.
- Full names and addresses of all employers you worked for in the past two years.
- If you are a former government employee, you will be asked to provide copies of SF-8 and SF-50 forms.
- If you are a current or former military member claiming benefits based on your military service, you will need to provide a copy of your most recent DD-214 form.
How do I apply for unemployment?
The easiest way to apply for unemployment is online. You may also be able to file a claim by phone, fax, or mail in some states. Here’s how to file a claim for unemployment and what you need to do to file a claim for unemployment online.
Once your claim is approved, you’ll need to file a weekly claim to continue receiving benefits. You will be asked to discuss your job search activities and your ongoing eligibility for unemployment.
How much money will I receive?
Each state sets its own eligibility criteria, and each state establishes the maximum cash benefit. In many states, benefits amount to half of your weekly earnings, up to a certain amount.
In general, these benefits are available for up to 26 weeks maximum in most states, and less in some states. For example, Florida and North Carolina offer 12 weeks of unemployment, while Montana offers 28 weeks.
During
High unemployment periods may allow unemployed workers to qualify for additional weeks of benefits.
How are unemployment benefits paid?
Unemployment benefits are typically paid via direct deposit into your bank account or credit union account or a prepaid card. Most states offer the option to receive benefits via a state-issued prepaid debit card. In some states, a paper check may be an alternative method to receive benefits.
When using your bank account or prepaid card, you will need to provide the following information:
- Names on the account.
- Bank account or prepaid card number.
- Bank routing number for the bank account or prepaid card.
- Type of bank account (checking or savings).
- Prepaid card (designate checking account as the type).
Can I work part-time and still receive unemployment benefits?
If you lost your full-time job and could only find part-time work, or if you were working part-time and lost it through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for partial unemployment benefits.
For more information, please contact your state’s unemployment office.
I can’t reach anyone at the unemployment office. What should I do?
During high unemployment periods, it may be difficult to connect with a real person at the unemployment office. If this happens to you, try the following:
- Seek help from your legal representatives: Your state representative may be able to assist you in reaching the unemployment office. In New York, for example, many legislators help unemployed workers with claims issues to get calls from the Department of Labor. Here’s how to find your representative. Be prepared to share your claim details and your contact information when calling or emailing.
- Keep trying: Scott Barer, an employment lawyer in California, states that persistence is required when trying to contact the unemployment office. Barer says, “Sometimes it takes a long wait on the phone. Sometimes it requires working up the chain of command. It always takes persistence.”
- One of Barer’s clients was denied unemployment benefits. After she finally managed to speak with the person at the unemployment office handling her claim, she asked to speak to a supervisor, and it went much more smoothly after that. They even gave her an internal phone number so she could reach a live person instead of being stuck in “forever waiting.” Barer also notes that once the client won the appeal, her benefits were retroactively paid back to her original application date.
What if the person I’m speaking with can’t answer my question?
Even once you reach someone at the unemployment office, it’s possible they may not have answers to the questions you raise. Don’t give up.
If you can’t get the answer you want, Shiraz Arasteh, founder of Professional Consulting Services, recommends asking to speak with a supervisor or someone who reviews cases. If the supervisor isn’t available, leave your number and ask them to call you back. If you don’t hear from them in a day or two, call the unemployment office again. It may also be good to ask an employee there when the next supervisor will be available so you can wait or call back at a better time.
If you still can’t get the answers you’re looking for, Arasteh recommends contacting someone at your state’s Department of Labor, explaining your issue, and asking for help.
The unemployment benefits claims process can be frustrating at a time when you need the least amount of stress in your life. But patience and persistence will pay off.
Why
I haven’t received my unemployment benefits?
There are several reasons that may be causing your unemployment benefits to stop. The simplest explanation is that you have used up all the benefits available to you.
Benefits vary from state to state, so unemployment compensation depends on your location and individual claim.
There may also be an issue with your claim. Araaste mentioned that when she worked at a nonprofit organization focused on workforce development, some of her clients said their checks had stopped unexpectedly. In some cases, she learned that they had answered “no” to a question about whether they were actively looking for a job, which caused their unemployment insurance claims to be flagged and their checks to stop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits?
The taxes on unemployment benefits you receive depend on the type of program paying the benefits. However, government unemployment benefits are typically considered taxable income and must be reported on your state and federal tax returns.
I stopped receiving direct deposit for unemployment. What should I do?
If your benefits have stopped, and you are not sure why, you should check with your state’s unemployment office.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/unemployment-claims-questions-and-answers-2064143
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