Getting laid off can be a tough pill to swallow, and during the Coronavirus pandemic, it can be even tougher. While you might feel disappointed or discouraged, it's important to remember that this is not forever, and there are systems in place to support you.
Understandably, navigating responsibilities and obligations like paying bills and feeding your family without an income, can be overwhelming - especially during a difficult time where new opportunities aren't around every corner.
The upside is that unemployment benefits may be available to help. We have pulled together a few things you need to know about unemployment benefits, including if you're eligible, how to file a claim and how to collect.
When you lose your job, you may be entitled to collect unemployment benefits. These are a percentage of your wages through a joint state-federal program called Unemployment Insurance (UI.) If eligible, UI provides temporary financial aid while you are job searching.
Determining whether or not you're eligible to collect unemployment benefits is the first step. It depends on several factors, including:
Generally, you must be out of work through no fault of your own. This means that if you were laid off due to the Coronavirus, for example, you may be eligible for unemployment. If you were fired for conducting unlawful behavior in the workplace or you voluntarily quit, however, you may not qualify.
To collect unemployment benefits, you must be able to prove that
If during unemployment, you're injured or tending to other responsibilities that may prevent you from accepting a job offer, you may be ineligible to receive benefits.
Coronavirus Update: It's important to note that eligibility has been extended to those who are unemployed, partially unemployed or unable to work due to COVID-19 and do not qualify for traditional benefits.
You can contact your state's Division of Unemployment Insurance to learn your state-specific rules and regulations as well as apply.
This can take time, so patience is key! Each state has its own process, but in general, they require you to file electronically or over the phone and provide the following:
You'll want to make sure that you have all of the necessary materials on hand first before you try to file an unemployment claim.
If applicable, you may need to share
Once you have all of your materials ready, visit your state's Division of Unemployment Insurance o file your claim. You will create an account, log in with your credentials and complete the application.
For more information, check out our Navigating Unemployment article where you visit your state page for specific information and updates.
Typically, unemployment benefits average around $200 to $550 a week and replace about 40% of your income.
Most states will allow you to receive benefits for anywhere between 12 and 28 weeks, though they may end earlier if you become ineligible along the way.
Coronavirus Update: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Since there's no way of knowing how long you will be unemployed and your income is now significantly less... it's important to plan for the future and budget your money.
While losing your job can be discouraging, rest assured that you're not alone. Due to COVID-19, over 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits in March alone. There are many people here in the Jobcase Community who feel just like you do, so be sure to reach out, connect and say hello. Similarly, reach out to your local community, family/friends and those around you who are experiencing the same difficulties. We WILL get through this together!
Be sure to follow our #Unemployment, #Coronavirus and #Motivation topics for more tips and information. Let us know how we can help!
Unfortuantely, I had to file for unemployment last year due to the school closures. I would think I should be able to qualify for unemployment since I contracted the virus at work in April. I am not really sure.
Unfortuantely, I had to file for unemployment last year due to the school closures. I would think I should be able to qualify for unemployment since I contracted the virus at work in April. I am not really sure.
How long does it take to get the fact finding interview? Going on 9 weeks now. Should I contact a lawyer??
How long does it take to get the fact finding interview? Going on 9 weeks now. Should I contact a lawyer??
I'm at my wits end with these people and trying to get my unemployment! I've been at this for a year and nothing just the run around. I have a open UI claim and pending PUA claim. They were waiting my document stating I was to return to work in March and I sent it in. Afte almost 5 months I got a hearing date and then the appeal person told me that's what is holding my claim. I'm not trying to get UI just PUA. So I drop my appeal and then talk to 4 people and they say my appeal is for PUA and I have a open claim for which I'm not receiving nothing for so what am l to do??? I'm a self employed housekeeper and work seasonal at some motels
I'm at my wits end with these people and trying to get my unemployment! I've been at this for a year and nothing just the run around. I have a open UI claim and pending PUA claim. They were waiting my document stating I was to return to work in March and I sent it in. Afte almost 5 months I got a hearing date and then the appeal person told me that's what is holding my claim. I'm not trying to get UI just PUA. So I drop my appeal and then talk to 4 people and they say my appeal is for PUA and I have a open claim for which I'm not receiving nothing for so what am l to do??? I'm a self employed housekeeper and work seasonal at some motels
So Theres a woman on here named Sarah and she said to email gov.unemploymentsupport@Gmail.com They said due to a server error my profile needs to be done and asked me for my card # and Dob and ssn....is this support team legit or is this a scam?
So Theres a woman on here named Sarah and she said to email gov.unemploymentsupport@Gmail.com They said due to a server error my profile needs to be done and asked me for my card # and Dob and ssn....is this support team legit or is this a scam?
Nickbartell80gmail.com
Nickbartell80gmail.com
my state of MA. I did not make enough in the last quarter of 2019, I started job in Nov 2019, and they claim you need to make 5,200,minimal to qualify, and that in MA. many won't get. I thought that my Governor said that all would be qualified, to receive unemployment, and the additional $600. UGH! Now I get nothing!! HELP!!!
my state of MA. I did not make enough in the last quarter of 2019, I started job in Nov 2019, and they claim you need to make 5,200,minimal to qualify, and that in MA. many won't get. I thought that my Governor said that all would be qualified, to receive unemployment, and the additional $600. UGH! Now I get nothing!! HELP!!!