How to File for Unemployment Benefits

Follow Proper Filing Processes to Ensure You Receive Help Quickly

by Sarra Jackson

Nobody wants to experience the feeling of not being able to provide for themselves or their families. If you have been laid off from a job it is best to file for unemployment benefits as quickly as possible to set the process in motion. To save time, check to verify whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits with the Dept. of Labor before applying. You can locate a local unemployment office to see who you need to contact regarding any questions you may have about your application. If you are not eligible for unemployment benefits there may be other helpful services your state provides.

If you live in one state and work in another you will need to file for unemployment in the state that you worked in. If you work in several different states you can contact your local unemployment office and let them advise you on where to apply. You can apply in person, over the phone, or online in many states.

Requirements vary from state to state, but there are common things each state needs to process your unemployment claim. You will need to provide personal information for security and verification reasons, such as your mailing address and phone number, social security number, driver’s license number, and your mother’s maiden name. Your employment information must also be provided, including the name, address, and phone number of your last employer, an Employer’s Federal ID Number that can be found on a W2 or pay stub, the dates you worked at the employer, and how much you earned there.

You will need to decide if you want taxes to be withheld from your unemployment check. It will also be asked if you were due any vacation or holiday pay. You must tell your unemployment benefit office why you left the job. Many states do not offer unemployment benefits to those that quit or if there are questions about your termination. If there are questions it may complicate your claim and it could be denied. However, there is an appeals process you can decide to do if your claim has been denied.

When you have filed your initial claim you will be asked to create a username and password to log in to your account to file for unemployment benefits. You will have to check your account each week and apply for benefits. You can also see the status of a claim, when checks have been mailed, and how much unemployment compensation your account has left.

If you are missing information or cannot verify your previous work history it is going to delay your claim. It may take up to 45 days to start receiving benefits. If you have not heard if your claim was accepted or denied you can check online to see its status or call your state’s unemployment office and speak with a representative that can help you. Since it can take over a month to receive benefits it is important to file for benefits as soon as you can.