How to File for Unemployment Benefits

Filing for unemployment benefits used to be a depressing and humiliating process. Fortunately, the process for filing a claim has been simplified in recent years. In many states, you can now file by telephone, removing the stigma of having to stand on long lines at the unemployment office. Once your claim is processed, you’ll be required to call in once a week to keep your account active. Here are some commonly asked questions about unemployment:

When Should I file?

Your claim should be filed in the first week that you have become totally or partially unemployed. Do not delay filing a claim if you do not have your pink slip or if you are uncertain whether you are eligible for benefits for any reason.

Filing immediately is important for two reasons:

1. Ordinarily, you do not get paid for the weeks prior to the week you filed your claim. Benefits will not be paid retroactively for weeks preceding the filing of your claim unless it is established through a hearing process that good cause for late filing existed.

2. It generally takes 2-3 weeks to receive a benefit check so you want to get the process rolling ASAP.

Where do I go to file a claim?

In reality, you may not need to go anywhere as the majority of states now accept unemployment claims via telephone. To find the unemployment office in your state, go to Google and input the name of your state and "filing for unemployment benefits" into the search box.

What if I live in one state but worked in another?

First, contact the state where you live. If you are ineligible for benefits in your home state, they can direct you to the proper office.

What documents will I need to file?

Here again, the specifics vary from state to state. In general you will be asked for:

• Your Social Security number.

• Your mailing address and zip code.

• A telephone number where you can be contacted for additional information.

• A paystub.

• The names and addresses of all employers for whom you've worked within the last 18 months, including those in another state.

How much will I receive?

Assuming you meet the requirements for eligibility your weekly benefit will be calculated based on your prior compensation. The maximum payment you are eligible to receive, as well as the number of weeks you can get paid in one year, varies from state to state.

Be aware that unemployment compensation is taxable income. When you work, your employer withholds money from each paycheck to pay taxes. But when you receive unemployment compensation, nothing is automatically withheld from your check. This means you may have to pay estimated tax to meet your tax obligation. You can find out more about estimated tax and how to pay it by calling or visiting your local IRS office.

Other services offered by unemployment

In addition to providing unemployment compensation, there are a host of job search and entrepreneurial assistance programs provided free of charge by the state unemployment offices. While the quality of the programs vary from state to state, I have been duly impressed by the scope and professionalism offered by some of the programs located in my home state. Give them a try – you may be pleasantly surprised!

More Questions about Collecting Unemployment? Click here for 10 More FAQ's