Your Free Guide to Unemployment

Your Free Guide to Unemployment

What Is Unemployment Insurance?

If you unexpectedly find yourself unemployed or facing a reduction in work hours, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits in your state.

Unemployment Insurance is a form of temporary income established by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and administered by state departments of labor. It is meant to help individuals who have recently become unemployed or under-employed through no fault of their own. The program is funded by unemployment insurance taxes, which are paid by employers. 

In this guide, you will learn more about applying for unemployment benefits, as well as other helpful unemployment benefits topics. 

Unemployment Insurance Office Directory

The following menu provides links to the home page for the unemployment program in each U.S. state.

	Unemployment Program Home Page
Alabama	https://labor.alabama.gov/unemployment.aspx
Alaska	https://labor.alaska.gov/unemployment/
Arizona	https://des.az.gov/services/employment/unemployment-individual
Arkansas	https://dws.arkansas.gov/workforce-services/arkansas-workforce-centers/
California	https://www.edd.ca.gov/unemployment/
Colorado	https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/unemployment
Connecticut	https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-online/index.htm
Delaware	https://ui.delawareworks.com/
District of Columbia	https://does.dc.gov/page/unemployment-compensation
Florida	https://www.floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/claimants/apply-for-benefits
Georgia	https://dol.georgia.gov/individuals/unemployment-benefits
Hawaii	https://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/
Idaho	https://www.labor.idaho.gov/dnn/Unemployment-Benefits
Illinois	https://ides.illinois.gov/about/locations/in-person-appointments.html
Indiana	https://www.in.gov/dwd/2362.htm
Iowa	https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/file-claim-unemployment-insurance-benefits
Kansas	https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/Home.aspx
Kentucky	https://kcc.ky.gov/career/If-you-are-Unemployed/Pages/default.aspx
Louisiana	https://www.laworks.net/UnemploymentInsurance/UI_MainMenu.asp
Maine	https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/
Maryland	https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml
Massachusetts	https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online
Michigan	https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/uia
Minnesota	https://www.uimn.org/
Mississippi	https://mdes.ms.gov/unemployment-claims/
Missouri	https://www.mo.gov/work/unemployment/
Montana	https://uid.dli.mt.gov/
Nebraska	https://dol.nebraska.gov/UIBenefits
Nevada	https://ui.nv.gov/css.html
New Hampshire	https://nhuis.nh.gov/claimant/login
New Jersey	https://myunemployment.nj.gov/
New Mexico	https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Unemployment
New York	https://www.labor.ny.gov/unemploymentassistance.shtm
North Carolina	https://www.des.nc.gov/
North Dakota	https://apps.nd.gov/jsnd/uiiaclaims/login.htm
Ohio	https://unemployment.ohio.gov/
Oklahoma	https://oklahoma.gov/labor.html
Oregon	https://www.oregon.gov/employ/unemployment/pages/default.aspx
Pennsylvania	https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Rhode Island	https://dlt.ri.gov/ui/
South Carolina	https://dew.sc.gov/
South Dakota	https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/individuals/default.aspx
Tennessee	https://www.tn.gov/workforce/unemployment.html
Texas	https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services
Utah	https://jobs.utah.gov/ui/home
Vermont	https://labor.vermont.gov/unemployment-insurance
Virginia	https://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed
Washington	https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment
West Virginia	https://workforcewv.org/unemployment
Wisconsin	https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/ui/
Wyoming	https://wyomingworkforce.org/workers/ui/

Eligibility Requirements for UI Benefits

Your state’s UI agency determines who qualifies for UI benefits, not the federal government. As such, guidelines can differ depending on the state in which you reside.

In most cases, you must meet all of the eligibility requirements in order to receive unemployment benefits. To find out if you qualify, you must consider:

• Your citizenship and residency status.
• The way you lost your job or work hours.
• Your earnings in your base period.

There are special circumstances under which you may or may not be approved for benefits.

For example, you may qualify without meeting all the requirements if your employment was affected by domestic violence. Or, you may be ineligible for benefits if you are a teacher or school worker.

Please refer to the sections “UI Eligibility for Domestic Violence Survivors” and “UI Eligibility for Teachers and School Workers” of this guide to learn more about these special situations.

In general, your application for UI benefits could be denied for any of the following reasons:

• You are not a citizen or authorized non-citizen.
• Your reason for losing your job or work hours is not acceptable to your state’s unemployment agency.
• You are a type of worker that is not covered by unemployment insurance in your state (for example, a self-employed or seasonal worker).
• You have not earned enough insured wages in your base period (a certain period of time established by your state’s unemployment program).

Citizenship and Residency Status

In order to receive unemployment insurance in your state, you must be a resident of that state. If you recently moved to a new state, you may need to apply for UI benefits in the state where you worked for the past 18 months.

You must also be a citizen, legal permanent resident or legally present non-citizen who is authorized to work in the U.S.

If you are a non-citizen, your state’s DOL office will ask for employment authorization documents and verify your legal authorization.

The Way You Lost Your Job or Work Hours

To qualify for Unemployment Insurance benefits, you must have lost your job or are working reduced hours through no fault of your own. You may be qualify if:

• Your employer was downsizing or restructuring.
• Your employer has gone out of business or is about to close.
• Your job title was eliminated.
• You had a temporary or seasonal job.
• You could not meet your employer’s performance or production standards.
• You were harassed by another employee.
• The working conditions at your job were hazardous.
• You have a medical condition.

Different states may have different criteria. For example, your state may deny your UI application if:

• Your job was temporary or seasonal.
• You are self-employed.
• You voluntarily left your job without an acceptable cause.
• You were fired for misconduct relating to your job.

Earnings in Your Base Period

Your state’s labor department will look at your recent income to make sure you have the minimum amount of earnings to qualify for unemployment compensation.

There are two main ways that state unemployment offices may calculate your earnings: the standard base period and the alternate base period.

What is a Standard Base Period?

Usually, you must have earned a certain amount of money and worked a certain length of time in your basic (or standard) base period to qualify for benefits. These minimum amounts of work and earnings vary depending on your state (see the table “Base Period Earning Requirements by State” for more details).

Most states define a standard base period as the first four out of the last five completed quarters from the date you file your claim. This means that your most recent earnings from the current quarter will not be counted.

For an example of a standard base period, imagine you are applying for benefits on October 1, 2024. Your standard base period would be July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. The first four quarters would be:

1. First Quarter:  July 1 to September 30, 2023
2. Second Quarter: October 1 to December 31, 2023
3. Third Quarter: January 1 to March 31, 2024
4. Fourth Quarter:  April 1 to June 30, 2024

The fifth quarter would be July 1 to September 30, 2024. This quarter would not be counted in your standard base period.

What is an Alternate Base Period?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be ineligible for benefits because you did not earn enough in your basic base period.

However, you may be able to qualify in your alternate base period. An alternate base period is usually the last four completed quarters prior to the date of your UI claim. This means that the wages you earned in your fifth quarter will be counted.

Some states will automatically check your alternate base period wages if you are ineligible using the standard base period.

The table below shows the types of base periods offered in each state. It also includes any rules about minimum earnings and minimum work history.

Note: a single asterisk (*) indicates that the information was intended to be included, but was not available at the time of writing.

Base Period Earning Requirements by State

	Base Period	Requirements
Alabama	First four of last five completed quarters (standard)	Must have wages in at least two quarters Average of two highest quarters must meet minimum Total base period earnings must be at least 1.5 x highest quarter earnings
Alaska	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have $2,500 gross income earned over two calendar quarters
Arizona	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR First four of last five completed quarters before you became disabled if you received Worker’s Compensation and are ineligible in standard base period	At least 390 x AZ minimum wage in highest quarter. Total of other 3 quarters must be at least half of highest quarter earnings OR At least $8,000 in two quarters. One of these quarters must have at least $7987.50
Arkansas	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have covered wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period Must have total base period wages of at least 35 times the Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)
California	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned $1,300 in the highest quarter of your base period OR Must have earned $900 in your highest quarter and a total base period earning 1.5 times your high quarter earnings
Colorado	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned at least $2,500 in base period
Connecticut	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	*
Delaware	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR  Alternate base period	Must have earned at least 36 times your weekly benefit amount during the entire base period.
District of Columbia	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned at least $1,300 in one quarter Must have earned wages in at least two quarters Must have at least $1,950 in total base period Total base period wages must be at least 1.5 x wages of highest quarter (can be up to $70 less to qualify)
Florida	First four of last five completed quarters (standard)	Must have at least $3,400 gross earnings in total base period Total base period wages must be at least 1.5 x wages of highest quarter
Georgia	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned wages in at least two quarters Total base period wages must be at least 1.5 x wages of highest quarter Must have at least $1,134 in two highest quarters
Hawaii	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned wages in at least two quarters Total wages in base period must be at least 26 x weekly benefit amount. To determine weekly benefit amount, divide highest quarter earnings by 21.
Idaho	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned wages in at least two quarters Must have earned at least $1,872 in one quarter Total base period wages must be at least 1.25 x wages of highest quarter
Illinois	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned at least $1,600 in total base period Must have earned at least $440 without including highest earning quarter
Indiana	First four of last five completed quarters (standard)	Must have earned at least $4,200 in total base period Must have earned at least $2,500 in last six months of base period Total base period wages must be at least 1.5 x wages of highest quarter
Iowa	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR  Alternate base period (contact uiclaimshelp@iwd.iowa.gov or 1-866-239-0843 to find out if you qualify for alternate base period)	Must have earned wages in at least two quarters Total base period wages must be at least 1.25 x wages of highest quarter Must have earned at least $2,000 in one quarter and at least $1,000 in a different quarter
Kansas	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned wages in at least two quarters Total wages in base period must be at least 30 x weekly benefit amount. To determine weekly benefit amount, multiply highest quarter earnings by .0425
Kentucky	First four of last five completed quarters (standard)	Must have earned at least $1,500 in at least one quarter Total base period wages must be at least 1.5 x wages of highest quarter Must have earned at least $1,500 in base period without including highest earning quarter Must have earned at least 8 x your weekly benefit amount in the last two quarters. To determine weekly benefit amount, multiply highest quarter earnings by .011923 and round to nearest dollar.
Louisiana	First four of last five completed quarters (standard)	Must have earned at least $1,200 in total base period Total base period wages must be at least 1.5 x wages of highest quarter
Maine	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	In two calendar quarters, you must have earned wages at least two times the annual average weekly wage in Maine, AND During the entire base period, must have earned wages totaling at least six times the annual average weekly wage in Maine.
Maryland	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	If using standard base period, you must have earned wages in at least two quarters More details here: https://www.labor.maryland.gov/employment/uischben.pdf
Massachusetts	Last four completed calendars (primary) OR Last three completed quarters + time between last completed quarter and your unemployment claim (alternate)	Must have earned at least $6,300 during the last four quarters. Must have earned at least 26x the weekly benefit amount you would be eligible to receive.
Michigan	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned wages in at least two quarters If using standard base period, you must have earned at least $3,919 in at least one quarter AND total base period wages must be at least 1.5 x wages of highest quarter If using alternate base period, you must have earned at least $24,323 in total base period
Minnesota	If you apply in the first month of a calendar quarter: First four of last five completed quarters If you apply in the second or third month of a calendar quarter: First four of last five completed quarters OR last four completed quarters (whichever has more wages)	Updated requirements are not published. Contact Minnesota Unemployment Insurance for updated information:  https://www.uimn.org/applicants/needtoknow/eligibility-requirements/index.jsp#:~:text=Your%20benefits%20are%20based%20on,in%20other%20states%20are%20included.
Mississippi	First four of last five completed quarters (standard)	Must have earned wages in at least two quarters Must have earned at least $780 in highest quarter Total wages in base period must be at least 40 x your weekly benefit amount. To determine weekly benefit amount, divide highest quarter earnings by 26.
Missouri	First four of last five completed quarters (standard)	Must have earned at least $1,500 in one quarter Must have earned at least $2,250 in total base period. AND Total base period wages must be at least 1.5x your highest quarter wages  OR  You must have at least 1.5x the Taxable Wage Base during two base period quarters
Montana	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Updated requirements are not published. Contact Montana DLI for updated information:  https://uid.dli.mt.gov/
Nebraska	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned at least $5,139 in total base period Must have earned at least $1,850 in one quarter and at least $800 in a different quarter
Nevada	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned wages in at least three quarters Must have earned at least $400 in one quarter Total base period wages must be at least 1.5 x wages of highest quarter
New Hampshire	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned at least $1,400 each in two separate quarters
New Jersey	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate 1) OR Last three completed quarters + weeks and wages up to last day of work (alternate 2)	Must have earned at least $283 per week in at least 20 weeks during base period OR must have earned at least $14,200 in total base period
New Mexico	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Updated requirements are not published. Contact New Mexico DWS for updated information:  https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Contact
New York	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned wages in at least two quarters Must have earned at least $3,300 in one quarter Total base period wages must be at least 1.5 x wages of highest quarter. Except if highest quarter earnings are $11,088 or more. In this case, earnings in your other three quarters must be at least $5,544
North Carolina	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned wages in at least two quarters Total base period wages must be at least 6 x the average weekly insured wage during your base period. Average weekly insured wage changes and will depend on your base period.
North Dakota	First four of last five completed quarters (standard)	Updated requirements are not published. Contact ND for updated information:  https://www.jobsnd.com/contact
Ohio	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned wages in at least 20 weeks of base period Must have average weekly wage of at least $328 (before taxes and deductions) in base period
Oklahoma	First four of the last five completed quarters	You must have earned at least $1,500 during your base period Your total wages must be at least 1.5x higher than your wages in your highest quarter
Oregon	First four of the last five completed quarters or Alternative base period	Must have received at least $1,000 in subject wages in your base year Must have a total base year wages at least 1.5x the wages paid in the highest calendar quarter of the base year. OR Must have worked at least 500 hours and paid wages during the base year
Pennsylvania	First four of the last five completed quarters OR  Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned a minimum of $116 per week for 18 weeks in your base year At least 37 percent of the total wage must have been paid in one or more quarters other than in your high quarter
Rhode Island	First four of the last five completed quarters OR  Last four completed quarters	Must have earned a total of $13,000 throughout your base period, OR Must have earned at least $2,300 in one of the base period quarters, AND  Must have earned total base period of taxable wages of at least 1.5x your highest single quarter earnings, AND Must have earned total base period taxable wages of at least $4,600
South Carolina	First four of the last five completed quarters  (standard) OR Last four calendar quarters, including lag quarter wages (alternative)	Must have at least $1,092 in wages during the highest quarter of the base period   Must have earned at least $4,455 from wages during the base period   Must have total base period wages equal or more than 1.5x the wages earned during the high quarter
South Dakota	First four of the last five completed quarters  (standard) OR  First four of the last five completed calendar quarters prior to the injury (only for work-related injuries)	Must have earned at least two quarters of the base period Must have earned at least 20 times of your weekly benefit amount in the other three quarters combined Must have earned at least $728 in wages in the highest quarter of your base period
Tennessee	First four of the last five completed quarters	Must have earned at least $780.01 in each of two quarters in base period, and must have earned at least $900 or six times the weekly benefit amount in the second-highest quarter
Texas	First four of the last five completed quarters	Must have earned wages in more than one of the four base period calendar quarters   The wages earned in the base period must be at least 37 times your weekly benefit amount
Utah	First four of the last five completed quarters OR Last four completed calendar quarters (alternative)	Must have earned wages in two or more calendar quarters of your base period. Must have earned at least $5,100 during base period Must have earned total base-period wages of at least 1.5x the wages earned in the highest quarter
Vermont	First four of the last five completed calendar quarters. (method one) OR Last four completed calendar quarters  (method two) OR Last three completed calendar quarters plus current quarter (method three)	Must have earned at least $2,871 in the highest paid quarter of the base period Must have earned at least 40% of the wages earned in the highest quarter in the other three quarters of the base period
Virginia	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have worked during at least two quarters of the base period Must have made $3,000 minimum in two combined quarters of the base period
Washington	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have worked in the state in the last 18 months, unless you were in the military or working for the federal government Must have worked 680 hours minimum during your base period Must have earned wages in Washington, unless you recently left the Armed Forces
West Virginia	First four of last five completed quarters (standard) OR Last four completed quarters (alternate)	Must have earned work wages in the last 18 months Must have made a minimum of $2,200 during your base period Must have made wages during at least two quarters
Wisconsin	First four of last five completed quarters (standard)	Must have worked during at least two quarters of the base period Made enough earnings in your highest quarter to qualify for the lowest weekly payment The earnings in your lowest 3 quarters must be worth at least 4 times as much as your weekly payment Total earnings during your base period should be 35 times as much as your weekly payment minimum  If you received unemployment before, you must have made at least 8 times as much as the weekly payment you received and you must have worked since the beginning of that year
Wyoming	First four of last five completed quarters (standard)	Must have worked during at least two quarters Must have made a minimum of $4,000 during your base period Total base period earnings must be 1.4 times your highest quarter

UI Eligibility for Domestic Violence Survivors

If you lost your job or left it because of domestic violence, you may qualify for unemployment insurance in some states. A few examples of qualifying circumstances include the following:

• Your partner or a member of your family threatened you and pressured you into leaving.
• Staying at the job would have threatened your safety.
• Staying at the job would have threatened the safety of your immediate family.

In these instances, your immediate family includes your children, parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters.

You may be asked to give a caseworker verbal or written proof that losing or quitting your job was directly related to domestic violence.

If you believe your employer fired you because you are a victim or survivor of domestic violence, you may be able to make a claim for employment discrimination.

UI Eligibility for Teachers and School Workers

Many states have special eligibility rules for teachers and school employees. In general, a school employee will not qualify for benefits during breaks in the school year if they have a contract or written assurance that they will continue to be employed after the break.

Reasonable assurance is defined as an agreement between the employer and the employee in which the employee is promised a job for the next term or semester. The employer must offer a salary and benefits that are similar to the previous job.

You may qualify for UI benefits after losing your job as a teacher or school worker if:

• Your employer let you go because you could not meet certain performance and production standards.
• You were laid off.
• Your contract expired.
• You are on furlough.
• Your employer is reducing its staff.

Unemployment Insurance for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX)

If you recently ended your service with the U.S. military and cannot find work, you may be able to file an unemployment claim. The Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX) program is handled by your state’s unemployment agency.

The UCX application process and program guidelines are mostly the same as those for the civilian unemployment program. Below are the key differences to consider before you file for UCX benefits.

Eligibility for UCX

• Base period:  You must have been on active duty or active Reserve status during your claim’s base period.
• Term of service: You must have completed the full first term of service that you enlisted for. If you are a reservist, you must have completed 180 continuous days of active service.

• You must have been honorably discharged: In order to qualify for UI as an ex-servicemember, you must have been separated under honorable conditions. Show the appropriate paperwork (DD-214 form) to prove your discharge when filling your UI claim.
• Service-specific benefits may be available to you: Depending on your role, if you were honorably discharged while on active duty, you may be able to collect benefits based on that specific service.

How to Apply for UCX

You can apply for UCX benefits using the same method you would use to apply for regular unemployment insurance. You will just need the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) that was issued to you.

If you still need to request your DD 214, follow the instructions below:

1. Click on the following link or type the URL into your browser’s address bar:
    https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/
2. Click on the “Go to MilConnect” button. You will need to sign in or create a milConnect account, as you cannot use your My HealtheVet or ID.me credentials here.
3. Once you are logged in, click on “Correspondence/ Documentation.” Then, select “Defense Personnel Records Information (DPRIS)” from the drop-down menu.
4. Choose the “Personnel File” tab.
5. Click on “Request My Personnel File.”
6. Fill out the form. In the Document Index section, check the box next to the DD 214 form.
7. Click on the “Create and Send Request” button.

Apply for unemployment as soon as you can after you have been discharged. No matter where you served, you must file your claim in the state where you currently reside.

For detailed instructions on how to apply, please refer to the section  “How to Apply for Unemployment by State”.

Note on UCX Appeals

If you are denied unemployment benefits based on your state’s laws, you can file an unemployment denial appeal just as civilians do. Please refer to section “How to File an Appeal if Disqualified” to learn more about the process.

However, if you are denied due to your reason for discharge, you must instead file your appeal with the appropriate military branch.

Unemployment Insurance for Federal Employees

Former federal employees have their own unemployment program called Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE).

The eligibility guidelines, application process and other elements of the program are the same as each state’s regular unemployment program, with one exception, discussed below.

The UCFE program is handled by your state’s unemployment agency. The only difference is the funding: UCFE benefits come directly from the federal government, which reimburses the state’s unemployment agency.

In addition to the regular documents you will need to apply for unemployment benefits, you will need to have your SF-8 form (Notice to Federal Employee About Unemployment Insurance) and SF-50 form (Notification of Personnel Action).

Your employer will give you these forms upon separation.

To learn more about documents and information required to apply for unemployment benefits, see the section “Documents and Information You Will Need.” For detailed instructions on how to apply, please refer to section  “How to Apply for Unemployment by State.”

How to Apply for Unemployment

If you have recently lost your job, it is important to apply for benefits as soon as possible. This is because you must undergo a one-week waiting period after submitting your application. During this week, you will not receive any unemployment insurance. 

Because your unemployment office also needs time to process the application, you will generally not receive your first unemployment check for 2-3 weeks after you submit your initial claim.

For best results and to ensure that you do not miss out on any payments, file as soon as you are separated from your job.

To apply for UI benefits, most states will have you complete the following steps:

1. Gather together relevant documents. *Please refer to the section “Documents and Information You Will Need” to get more information.
2. Select your application method. Most states allow you to file a claim online or by phone. Some states also allow you to apply by mail or in person. *Please refer to the section “How to Apply for Unemployment By State” to learn what methods are available in your state.
3. Fill out and submit the application online, by mail, in person or by phone. *Please refer to the section “How to Apply for Unemployment By State” to find online application urls, mailing address and phone numbers for submitting an initial unemployment claim. 
4. Follow the rest of the claims process as required by your state. This may involve registering for a job search or work program. 
5. If you are approved for benefits, follow state instructions for setting up direct deposit or a debit card. *Please refer to the section “Methods of Payment” to learn more about UI debit cards and direct deposit.
6. Actively search for work while you are receiving benefits.
7. Submit a new claim on a weekly or biweekly basis that proves you have actively been searching for work. *Please refer to the section “How to Certify for Continued Unemployment Payments By State” to learn more about submitting these claims.

How to Apply for Unemployment by State

Filing a Claim as a Person with a Disability

Throughout the application process, you are allowed to get help filing your claim if you have a disability. However, you must agree to rules, which may include the following:

• You will be present every time your helper is working on the application. 
• You will be held accountable for your helper’s actions relating to your application.
• If you are not present every time your helper works on the application, you may incur penalties. 

If you are applying by phone and need assistance, you may have a helper on the line with you. Most states also have special numbers you can call if you are deaf or hard of hearing. 

State relay services can help individuals that are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired communicate by phone. You simply dial the TTY (Teletypewriter Telecommunication) number and the operator will connect you to the number you wish to call. The operator will then serve as a translator between you and the DOL representative using a TTY or voice carry-over device (VCO) device.

*If your state offers one of these contact numbers, you can find it labeled “TTY” or “Relay” in the “How to Apply for Unemployment by State” table in this guide.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Before you file your initial UI claim, you will need to gather certain personal documents and information. These will help you fill out the application. 

A caseworker may request to see hard copies of these documents later on. Important application documents and information include:

• Your Social Security card or an official document that lists your Social Security Number (SSN).
• Your Alien Registration card number and expiration date, if applicable.
• Your driver’s license or state ID number.
• Your mailing address and ZIP code.
• Your phone number and email address.
• The names and addresses of your previous employers from the last 18 months. This includes employers in other states, if applicable.
• Your reasons for no longer working with each employer.
• The Employer Registration number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer. This number may be found on your W-2 forms.
• Copies of forms SF8 and SF50, if you were a federal employee.
• Your union hall’s name and local number, if applicable.
• Your most recent military separation form (DD-214) if you have just separated from the service.
  *Please refer to the section “How to Apply for UCX” in this guide to learn more about getting your DD-214 form.
• Your bank routing number and checking account numbers, if you want to use direct deposit to receive your benefits.
  *Please refer to the section “Methods of Payment” in this guide to learn more about UI debit cards and direct deposit.

How to Apply for UI Benefits Online

If you want to apply for unemployment insurance online, visit your state’s Department of Labor (DOL) website. You can find your state’s online application in the section “How to Apply for Unemployment by State” in this guide.

You may be required to first create an account with a username, password and PIN, which is a four-digit number.

Once you have set up an account, follow the instructions for completing the online form. If you are not required to create an account, there may be no way to save your progress on your application. Thus, you must complete the entire form in one sitting.

After you have completed the required sections, you may submit the form. You should then receive a confirmation of your submission via email. 

Many states recommend that you apply online because your claim will be processed more quickly. In addition, creating an online account will make it easier to check the status of your claim or update your application if your circumstances change. 

Some states, such as Florida, require you to complete the application online. You may be exempt from this rule if you are:

• Unable to read or write in the languages available on the online application.
• Physically or visually impaired.
• Legally prohibited from using a computer. 
• Unable to use a computer.

How to Apply for UI Benefits by Phone

In order to apply for unemployment insurance by phone, call your state’s telephone claim center. You can find your state’s application contact number in the section “How to Apply for Unemployment by State.”

You may not be connected to a representative immediately. However, it is important not to hang up if you want to hold your spot in line. Once you are connected with a representative, he or she will work with you to complete the application. 

In some states, you may not be connected to a live representative and must complete the entire application by phone with voice command.

If English is not your first language, filing a claim by phone may be ideal. This is because many state filing numbers offer translation services. For a language other than English, you may use your keypad to select your preferred language when prompted. 

Be sure to have all your personal documents with you. This way, you will be able to complete the application more quickly and prevent delays in filing. 

How to Apply for UI Benefits by Fax or Mail

Some states allow you to submit a UI application by fax or mail. You can find out if your state offers a mail option by referring to the section “How to Apply for Unemployment by State.” This section also has mailing addresses and other information you will need to submit an application by mail.

If this is your preferred submission method, you must first download and print the application form from the DOL website for your state.

Once you have completed the form and dated it at the bottom, mail it to the street address or fax it to the fax number specified on your state’s DOL website. These addresses may also be found at the bottom of the application. 

Some states that accept applications by mail recommend that you submit the form by fax. Fax submissions are faster and more secure than mail-in submissions. 

How to Apply for UI Benefits in Person

You can apply to UI by phone or online. Call your state office or check its website to find out if you can request an application appointment to apply in person.

If your state is taking in-person appointments, on the day of your appointment, make sure to bring the documents and information. Please refer to the section “Documents You Will Need” list of this guide to know which documents you need to provide.

At the unemployment office, you should be able to obtain, complete and submit an application for unemployment benefits.

Completing the Unemployment Interview

After you have filed for unemployment insurance, you may receive a request by mail or email for a phone interview. 

The request will notify you of the date and time of your interview or give you instructions for scheduling a time that works for you. Depending on your state, the notice may also include the reason for your interview and a list of sample questions that you may be asked.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the interview:

• Block out your time properly: Although your claims examiner will try to call at the scheduled time, delays can occur. Therefore, you should make yourself available for two hours after the scheduled time.
• Gather documentation: You may prepare for the interview by collecting your personal documents, as you did for the initial application.
• Review your application: It will be helpful to review your application submission. This way, you may have an easier time answering your interviewer’s questions. 

During the interview, you will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the program.

If you are required to respond to a request for information, submit your response and any required documents as quickly as possible. Otherwise, your first payment may be delayed.

If your case is accepted after your interview, you should receive UI payments for the weeks in between filing your first claim and your approval. If the outcome of your interview with a claims examiner results in the denial of your Unemployment claim, you have the right to file an appeal. 

As long as you submit your dispute paperwork within the designated time frame determined by your state, your case will continue to be examined.

What to Expect While Your Application Is Processing

Most states will notify you by mail or email when a decision has been made on your application.

While your application is processing, the DOL in your state will contact your previous employer and request separation information. Your employer must then provide details on your previous wages and any additional income that was distributed to you. 

At this time, you may receive mail from your state DOL about the UI program and your submission. You may receive your first weekly or biweekly claims form in the mail as well. 

If you did not create your own PIN by this point, you may receive a unique PIN in the mail. You must use this to access your unemployment benefits if you are opting for a debit card instead of direct deposit.

You may check the status of your application by logging on to your online account. Otherwise, you must call the DOL in your state for more information.

How much do you receive in unemployment benefits?

Estimating your weekly benefits will give you a sense of how much money you can receive. 

Most states have their own rules for calculating the weekly benefits rate. Thus, it is important to check your state’s guidelines to make sure you are making an accurate estimate. 

Please refer to the table at the end of this section, “How Benefits Are Calculated in Each State” to find how benefits are calculated in each state.

Methods for Calculating Benefits

High-Quarter Method

This method is used by many states in the U.S. It uses the base period quarter in which wages were highest in order to determine your payments. Divide this total by 13 (the number of weeks in any given calendar quarter) to get the average weekly wage. 

Now, based on the percentage of the amount your state UI office plans to replace, your weekly wage is then divided to come up with your weekly benefit amount. 

Example: If you earned $3,900 in your highest quarter, divide that by 13 and you have an average weekly wage of $300. If your state UI agency decides to pay for half of your weekly earnings, you will receive $150 per week in unemployment compensation.

Multi-Quarter Method

This method uses a larger amount of time instead of just one quarter. It is considered more accurate for determining the patterns of full-time workers who earned a consistent paycheck. Your weekly benefit amount is determined by the average amount earned in wages over the course of more than one quarter.

Annual-Wage Method

This method uses a percentage of the annual wages paid in your base period. 

Weekly-Wage Method

Some states calculate your benefit amount based on a percentage of the average weekly wages in your base period.

How Benefits Are Calculated in Each State

How to File Weekly or Biweekly Claims

If you complete your initial application and are approved for unemployment insurance, you have to file a weekly or biweekly claim. Some states call this a benefits “certification” because you are proving that you still continue to meet the program’s initial eligibility requirements.

Completing claims on a regular basis will ensure that you are complying with your state’s work requirements and can continue to receive benefits.

Information You Will Need to File a Weekly or Biweekly Claim

Your weekly claim or certification form will ask you about your job search. You may need to provide proof that you have submitted an application to a minimum number of jobs per week.

In order to file your weekly or biweekly claim as accurately as possible, you will need the following information:

• Your PIN
• Wages you earned in the past week
• Record of your work search in the past week

You may also be asked questions to determine whether you are:

• Physically able to work.
• Available for work.
• Ready and willing to accept a new job as soon as possible.
• Actively looking for a new job.

If your state has biweekly forms, you will need to provide separate information for each week. A biweekly form also indicates that your benefits will be distributed to you on a biweekly basis. 

Some states may require you to create an online resume on a state employment website. Employers will be able to view your resume and reach out to you about new positions.

What methods can I use to file?

Most states allow you to submit a weekly or biweekly claim online, by phone or by mail. These submission methods are usually the same as those of the initial application. 

To submit a claim online, log into your account on your state’s DOL website and follow the instructions for weekly or biweekly claims. If your state does not require you to create an account, simply follow the instructions for submitting another claim. 

To file a claim by phone, call the appropriate DOL phone number for your state. Keep in mind that this number may not be the same as the phone number for the application. You can find your state’s DOL contact information in the “Unemployment Insurance Office Directory” section.

To submit a claim by mail, download and print out the weekly or biweekly form from your state’s DOL website. Then, fill it out and send it to the correct address.

Remember that submissions by mail will take longer for your DOL office to receive and process. You must also pay for postage. 

What happens if your weekly claim proves you are not eligible for benefits?

Once your weekly or biweekly claim is reviewed, you may be found to be ineligible for continued benefits if you fail to meet any of the eligibility requirements discussed in the section called “Eligibility Requirements for UI Benefits” of this guide. 

If this is the case, your state DOL may request a phone interview with you. You will be notified of your ineligibility at this time.

The interview may also give you the opportunity to state your case and explain your current circumstances. If you are still found to be ineligible by the end of the interview and you disagree with the decision, you may file an appeal.

How to Certify for Continued Unemployment Payments by State

The process of continuing to receive unemployment benefits once you have already applied for the program is called “continued claims” or “certifying for benefits” because you must continue to show that you are still eligible for benefits. Depending on your state, you may have to certify for benefits weekly or once every two weeks. 

Learn how to file continued unemployment claims in your state by reviewing the information below. Have questions about how you can get assistance with your claim? Please refer to the state-specific contact information in the section called “How to Apply for Unemployment by State.” 

How to File an Appeal If Disqualified

Filing an appeal may be in your best interest if you strongly believe you are entitled to unemployment insurance. Each state has its own appeals procedure, which means it is important to follow the rules outlined by the DOL in your state. 

If you decide to take this course of action, you must file an appeal as quickly as possible. Many states have a deadline for appeals once you receive a denial decision in the mail. 

Depending on your state of residence, you may request an appeal form by phone or fax or download an appeal online from your UI state agency website to mail. The state may also send you an appeal form with your denial notice.

Some states may allow you to write a letter of appeal instead. In your letter of appeal, you may need to include:

• Your full name.
• The date of the denial notice determination.
• Your SSN or the last four digits of your SSN.
• The reason you disagree with the decision.
• Your signature at the bottom.

If you have documents or proof that will support your case (correspondence from an employer illustrating unjust dismissal, differing wage statements), compile the paperwork to submit with your appeal application.

You may be able to find more information about appeals on your state’s DOL website, which you can find in the “Unemployment Insurance Office Directory” section of this guide.

Hearing Proceedings

Once your letter of appeal has been processed or if you request a hearing, you will be notified about hearing proceedings. In most states, you will be assigned a hearing date. You cannot move this date unless an officer at your state’s DOL agrees to do so.

Other information that will be listed in your hearing notice may include:

• The location of the meeting or the phone number for the hearing, if your state conducts hearings by telephone. 
• The issues that will be addressed during the proceedings.
• The name of the officer or administrator assigned to the case. 

You are allowed to represent yourself at the hearing. However, you may choose to be represented by an attorney or another type of advocate approved by your state. 

If there are witnesses that have first-hand knowledge of facts about the case, you should bring them with you to the hearing. A witness can be anyone who has direct personal knowledge about the issues relating to your appeal. An example is someone who saw or heard a supervisor do or say something related to the issues on your appeal notice.

If your state conducts hearings by telephone, you will receive a notice that explains the date and time of the hearing. If you need special accommodations for a disability, you may request them by phone before the date of the hearing. 

Keep in mind that the hearing may be recorded. In addition, you may be put under oath before testifying. 

What happens after the hearing?

Once you have completed the hearing, you must wait to receive a decision. If you are approved for unemployment insurance after the hearing, you will receive instructions on collecting your benefits. 

If your request was denied, you may be able to take up the issue with the board of appeals in your state. The notice will indicate whether any further appeals rights are available to you. As with first-level appeals, you must take action as quickly as possible if you want to continue the process.

Receiving Your Benefits

If you are approved for benefits, you will be notified by your state DOL office about the next steps. For instance, you will receive instructions on selecting a payment method so that you can begin collecting benefits.

Methods of Payment

In each state, you are allowed to choose how you will receive UI payments. You may receive benefits in the form of:

• Direct deposit.
• A debit card.
• Paper checks.

If you select direct deposit, your benefits will be electronically transferred to your bank account each week. 

If you select a debit card, your benefits will be loaded onto a card each week. Note that this card will not be connected to your bank. 

Keep in mind that most states no longer distribute benefits by paper check, because direct deposit and debit cards are more secure. 

How to Set Up a Debit Card

If you would like to have your benefits loaded onto a prepaid debit card, you must indicate this preference on your application. If you applied online, you may also update your preference by logging into your UI account.

States partner with certain banks, such as Bank of America, to provide these debit cards. However, you will not need to have your own bank account to use one. 

Your debit card will be mailed to you after you have been approved for unemployment insurance. It will also come with activation instructions and information on using the card.

Generally, you must call a customer service number and follow the instructions to activate your card. If English is not your first language, select your preferred language at the beginning of the phone call. In some states, you may activate your card online. 

You will most likely be allowed to access your benefits at a variety of stores and at ATMs. You may use certain ATMs free of charge depending on the debit card provider. 

If you withdraw funds from an ATM that is out of network, a withdrawal fee will be deducted from your balance. For this reason, make sure that you follow the instructions that come with your debit card on using ATMs. 

If your debit card is lost, stolen or damaged, you may need to call the bank. Your old card will be canceled and a new card will be mailed to you. You may be charged a service fee if you request an expedited delivery.

How to Set Up Direct Deposit

You may choose direct deposit over a debit card if you want your benefits to be readily available in your bank account. However, your bank must participate in your state’s direct deposit program. 

You may select direct deposit online by logging onto your UI account or by calling the appropriate number provided by the DOL in your state. Each state will have instructions for updates submitted online or by phone. 

You will also need the following information:

• The routing number for your U.S. bank or credit union
• Your bank account number
• Your account type, such as checking or savings

Your routing number and account number can be found on a personal check. If you cannot find this information, contact your bank or credit union.

After you have submitted this information, you will be notified when your account has been approved for direct deposit. 

Overpayment of Benefits

On rare occasions, you may receive an overpayment of benefits. An overpayment is defined as an additional benefit amount to which you are not entitled.

You will not incur penalties if an overpayment was not your fault. If this is the case, you do not necessarily have to give back the overpayment immediately. Instead, it will gradually be deducted from your future payments. 

However, the overpayment may be deducted in full from your account or your debit card if it was less than a certain amount. 

You may be at fault for receiving an overpayment if you withheld or misrepresented information on your application. In this case, you must repay the overpayment in full. 

You may also be required to pay interest on an at-fault overpayment, especially if you do not repay it by a certain deadline.

Job Search and Work Requirements for UI Benefits

If you are approved for Unemployment Insurance (UI), you must comply with the program requirements to continue receiving benefits. This typically includes a work requirement, which means you must show your state’s DOL that you are actively searching for a job. If you have a disability or other qualifying situation, you may be exempt from these requirements.See your state’s unemployment benefits website for their requirements.

You must also agree to provide the DOL in your state with accurate information concerning your earnings and other personal information. Giving false information is considered fraud and is punishable by law. 

If you fail to meet the minimum work requirements in your state, your future benefits may be denied or delayed. You may even incur penalties if these actions result in an overpayment to your account. 

States usually require you to submit proof that you have made contact with a certain number of employers each week. 

The Georgia Department of Labor, for example, states that you must contact a minimum of three new employers each week. Depending on your state, you may be able to contact employers in the following ways:

• In person.
• By phone.
• Online.
• By sending out your resume.

Documenting Your Job Search

Here are some guidelines for conducting and documenting your job search:

Register for your state’s work search program: Certain state UI departments require you to set up an active account with the state’s official work search program. This entails creating an account with your state’s public workforce agency and employing job search tools on a regular basis. Helpful components include access to recruitment assistance and job matching, depending on your work experience.

Create a log to document your job hunt: A job search log is a helpful way to keep track of your activities each day. Either download a template or create your own spreadsheet. Be sure to include dates, activities, contacts and results. Some departments of labor provide templates, but generally, you should document the following:

• Date of contact
• Name of the company or employer
• Job reference number, if available
• Name of the person you contacted
• Company address, phone number, email or web link
• Position title 
• Method of contact
• Results of contact

Some states also supply tips for creating a work search plan. Through your state’s public workforce office, you may also be connected with other resources that could help you style your resume, write cover letters and improve your job-search tactics. 

Unemployment Insurance Extended Benefits

Most states provide a maximum of 26 weeks of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Currently, one state provides more than 26 weeks of benefits, which are listed below:

• Massachusetts: up to 30 weeks of benefits

The following states currently provide less than 26 weeks of regular UI benefits:

• Alabama: up to 20 weeks of benefits
• Arkansas: up to 12 weeks of benefits
• Florida: up to 12 weeks of benefits
• Michigan: up to 20 weeks of benefits
• Missouri:  up to 20 weeks of benefits
• Montana: up to 24 weeks of benefits
• North Carolina: up to 12 weeks of benefits
• South Carolina:  up to 20 weeks of benefits

Keep in mind that some states may adjust the maximum benefit allowance based on the rate of unemployment. The data provided above is current as of February 2024.

If you have exhausted your regular UI benefits and your state is currently experiencing a high rate of unemployment, you may qualify for extended benefits if your state makes it available. For example, some states authorize between 13 and 20 additional weeks of benefits.  

Keep in mind that you might still not qualify for extended benefits even if your state is in a period of high unemployment. Your state DOL determines the requirements for additional unemployment insurance on a case by case basis.

If you do qualify for extended benefits, your weekly payment amount typically remains the same. You are still required to file weekly or biweekly claims and actively search for a new job. 

How to File for an Extension

If your state unemployment offers extended benefits, it’ll likely send you a notice that you may qualify.

Visit your state’s Unemployment Insurance agency website to determine the exact requirements necessary to file the new paperwork for your UI extension. You may need to file an entirely new claim with repetitive information, depending on the process, and you may do so online or by mail.

Paying Taxes on Unemployment Insurance

Whether you receive benefits for only one week or for a maximum 26 weeks, your unemployment insurance is taxable. 

As a result, you are required by the IRS to count all unemployment compensation as income when you file your tax returns. 

You should receive a Form 1099-G either by mail or electronically for certain government payments. This form contains information about how much money you received in UI benefits and how much federal income tax was withheld, if any. 

You can choose to have your taxes automatically withheld from your benefit payments. To do so, you must fill out Form W-4V, which is a voluntary withholding request. 

You also have the option of collecting all your benefits without accounting for tax withholdings. However, you may be required to make estimated tax payments during the year.

Filing estimated taxes can be tricky. If you underpay, you may be charged interest by the IRS. If you overpay to be safe, you will be left with even less money in benefits. 

How to Apply for Trade Readjustment Allowances

If your unemployment benefits have been exhausted, you may be able to request a Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA).

A TRA is defined as supplemental income for ex-workers whose jobs were lost due to the foreign import market. They are only available to you once your original unemployment insurance payments run their course. Trade Readjustment Allowances were developed by the Department of Labor as a group coverage option.

Benefits of Trade Readjustment Allowances

Additional benefits (in comparison to UI) are available to those who qualify to receive aid in the form of a Trade Readjustment Allowance. The Federal Trade Act provides benefits as part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, which is meant for those who lost jobs or incurred hour reductions due to an employer’s loss of business or trade because of an increase in imports from another country. The benefits of the TAA program include:

The benefits of the TAA program include: 

Paid job training: If you file for a Trade Readjustment Allowance, this means that you were unable to find suitable work through your unemployment insurance period. Under the TAA program, you will receive paid job training to assist in the replacement of your employment, so you can find work faster and acquire new or necessary skills. 

Financial assistance for job search in a new state: If you would like to apply for jobs in a state other than the one you are currently residing in, the Trade Adjustment Assistance program will provide financial aid for you to do so. 

Relocation to a new state with better employment options: If you have done the research to determine another state of residence will better benefit your job search, TAA can help. Relocation to a new home state where there are more jobs and a lower rate of unemployment can help you locate work, and TAA will provide the financial aid to get you settled.

How to Apply

You can request a TRA application from your state’s labor department.  You can find contact information for each state’s DOL in the “Unemployment Insurance Office Directory” section of this guide.

Your application may ask for the following information:

• Your personal contact information
• Your Social Security Number
• Your petition number
• Company contact information
• Dates of your work history
• The reason for your job loss
• Information regarding any benefits you received prior to applying for TRA
• Training details (enrollment or interest)

Once you have finished your TRA application, submit it to your designated department online, by mail or via fax. As your basic TRA nears expiration, you may be able to request additional TRA assistance.

The Self-Employment Assistance Program

If you qualify for unemployment compensation and would like to start your own business, there is another alternative that may be able to assist you.

The Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program encourages those out of work to jumpstart new ventures by starting their very own small businesses. 

Through collecting and utilizing an SEA allowance instead of your regular UI benefits, you can work toward becoming self-employed and launching your own company.

According to the United States Department of Labor, only the following states currently offer unemployed residents SEA aid: 

• Delaware
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island

Self-Employment Assistance Eligibility

If you are interested in applying for the SEA program in your state, you must meet the eligibility requirements first. To qualify for Self-Employment Assistance benefits, you must be: 

• Able to receive UI benefits: Under state law, you must first meet the same eligibility requirements established by your state UI agency prior to applying for SEA. 
• Receiving unemployment compensation: Your records and information must already be entered into your state’s UI system. This way, it is already confirmed that you lost your job involuntarily and that your wage history qualifies you for SEA. 
• Likely to exhaust your current UI benefits: If you have been collecting unemployment benefits for quite some time, and it is likely that your term will run out prior to you finding a job, then you might consider SEA help. That way, you can build a new career with your cash assistance.

The Benefits of Self-Employment Assistance

With the aid of SEA, you can focus entirely on starting your new small business.

Unlike with Unemployment Insurance, when you enroll in your state’s Self-Employment Assistance program, you are allowed to take on other full-time work or part-time jobs and still collect your SEA benefits. You are encouraged to continue with any training program you are enrolled in, especially if it is related to the field you would like to enter with your new small business idea. 

The amount of benefits you receive from your state’s SEA program will match your UI payments. Your benefits will undergo a transfer process, and it is unlikely that you will be required to file additional information related to your UI case. 

Contact your local UI agency to discuss your options if your state offers an SEA program. You will receive the proper contact information, so that you can enroll in Self-Employment Assistance, instead of unemployment benefits.

The Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program

In the unfortunate event of a major disaster, there is a specific type of unemployment aid made available to residents directly affected. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) originated in 1974 and gives authority to the acting president to dispense benefits to any workers who are out of a job due to a major disaster. 

Overseen by both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the United States Department of Labor (DOL), the two parties work together to provide funding to each state’s Unemployment Insurance agency. It is then up to the states to provide benefit assistance to residents in need.

Some examples of disasters include, but are not limited to:

• Drought
• Earthquake
• Fire
• Flood
• Hurricane
• Landslide
• Tornado
• Volcano
• Wildfires
• Winter storm

Who is eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance?

If you are unable to work due to a disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance, you may consider applying for DUA benefits instead. Here are the eligibility guidelines you must meet:

• The President has declared a major disaster in the area where you live, work or were scheduled to work.
• You are unemployed or self-employed.
• The disaster has made you unable to work for one of the following reasons:
  • You no longer have a job or a place to work.
  • You cannot get to your workplace.
  • Your workplace was damaged.
  • You cannot work due to an injury.

You may also qualify for DUA if you meet all of the following criteria:

• The head of your household died due to the disaster.
• You have become the head of household.
• You are seeking work.

What are the terms of DUA?

If you qualify to receive DUA, there are certain rules and regulations in place that you must learn, including: 

• You can only collect DUA for a designated time frame: Those who file a claim to receive DUA aid can only receive benefits for the weeks of unemployment designated as the Disaster Assistance Period (DAP). Starting the first day of the week after the disaster began, the DAP can span up to 26 weeks following the President’s declaration. 
• The state will determine your benefit amount:The maximum total of benefits you can collect during a major disaster is decided by the state laws already in place to determine unemployment compensation.
  • The state’s maximum DUA benefit will be the same amount as the state’s maximum benefit for regular unemployment benefits. 
  • The minimum DUA benefit amount you can collect per week equals half the average benefit amount set forth by your state. 
• Your state will declare if DUA is available: Check in with your state’s unemployment website to determine if Disaster Unemployment Assistance is officially being made available to residents in your state. Following a major disaster, the information regarding DUA benefits will be widely publicized. Find your state’s DOL office contact information in the section “Unemployment Insurance Office Directory.”

How to Request DUA Benefits

If the president has declared a major disaster and has made Disaster Unemployment Assistance readily available in your state, contact your local UI agency directly to file a claim for DUA benefits. You will be able to locate instructions on who to contact and how to apply online or by calling an agent. Find your state unemployment office contact information in the section “Unemployment Insurance Office Directory.”

If you were evacuated or had to relocate to another state due to the effects of the disaster, first speak with your home state’s UI agency for assistance. You can also speak with a representative at the Unemployment Insurance office of the state that you moved to.

What to Do When You Become Employed Again

If you have reached a point in your unemployment insurance period where you found new employment, you must take the steps to discontinue your benefits in a timely manner. The process to cancel your unemployment claim may differ, depending on the state from which you receive benefits. 

Some options to discontinue your UI benefits are as follows:

Discontinue filing your claims: In some states, you can simply stop filing your weekly claims. If an agent contacts you regarding this, you can confirm that you found a job and no longer need UI assistance.

Call your local UI agency: Speak with a representative regarding your case, and let him or her know that you are beginning/began new work and to please make a note to close your file.

File online: If your state utilizes an entirely online system for its Unemployment Insurance program, follow the instructions to cancel your UI benefits online. You can only collect DUA for a designated time frame: Those who file a claim to receive DUA aid can only receive benefits for the weeks of unemployment designated as the Disaster Assistance Period (DAP). Starting the first day of the week after the disaster began, the DAP can span up to 26 weeks following the President’s declaration. 
The state will determine your benefit amount:The maximum total of benefits you can collect during a major disaster is decided by the state laws already in place to determine unemployment compensation.
The state’s maximum DUA benefit will be the same amount as the state’s maximum benefit for regular unemployment benefits. 
The minimum DUA benefit amount you can collect per week equals half the average benefit amount set forth by your state. 
Your state will declare if DUA is available: Check in with your state’s unemployment website to determine if Disaster Unemployment Assistance is officially being made available to residents in your state. Following a major disaster, the information regarding DUA benefits will be widely publicized. Find your state’s DOL office contact information in the section “Unemployment Insurance Office Directory.”

Consequences of Collecting Benefits Following Employment

If you continue to collect unemployment benefits once you are hired for full-time work or do not report your wages and hours worked if you are hired for part-time work, then you are likely committing unemployment benefits fraud. 

You are subject to being charged with fraud if you resume your unemployment compensation and do not report the following types of work activities, which result in a form of income:

• Part-time work
• Temporary work
• Contracted labor
• Side jobs and/or casual work
• Commission-only jobs
• Profits from self-employment

Even if your state allows you to continue collecting benefits if you have not found full-time work, you must still report the involvement in any of the above. 

In addition, if you receive an unemployment benefits check after you canceled your case, be sure to return the payment to your local UI office so you are not penalized. It is important to understand the seriousness of your actions if you choose to collect your UI without accounting for additional employment. You will not only be disqualified from your state’s Unemployment Insurance program, resulting in the loss of any remaining benefits on your claim, but you may also face:

• Fines and fees.
• Criminal prosecution (by state and/or federal authorities).
• Jail or prison sentences.
• Ineligibility for future unemployment benefits.
• Loss of income tax refunds.
• Garnished wages.

Other Ways to Support Yourself During Unemployment

In addition to filing for Unemployment Insurance (UI), you may be interested in learning about other ways to earn money and stay afloat while you are jobless. It may be especially important if you don’t qualify for UI, or if your UI payments are not enough to support your lifestyle. After all, UI is not meant to fully replace your income, you may be struggling to pay bills and keep up on UI alone. 

Consider the following tips for earning money while you look for your next job:

• Sell old or unwanted items
  • Do you have a closet full of clothes you no longer wear? Perhaps you have a collection of old baseball cards collecting dust in your attic. One way to make some extra money is to sell items you no longer use. Spend some time going through your possessions and setting aside the items you’d be okay parting with. Then, come up with a price tag. It may help you to do some research to find out the value of your items. When you’re ready to sell, you can decide between having a yard sale or selling your items online. Apps like LetGo, OfferUp and Craigslist are popular among people looking to sell individual items. 

• Freelance your skills
  • If you have a set of skills that are unique or niche, consider offering your services on a freelance basis. For example, writing, editing, photography, general labor – no matter what your skill set, you can often find people looking to pay for services. Plus, one of the perks of freelancing is setting your own schedule and prices. Just remember that if you earn a substantial amount of money from freelancing, the IRS can tax it.
    
• Complete online surveys
  • Some websites will pay you to complete online surveys. The availability of these surveys often depends on the time of year, as well as your qualifications. However, you may be able to earn anywhere from $2 – $20 per survey! Plus, you can usually do these surveys from the comfort of your own home, as long as you have a secure internet connection.
    

Tips for Finding Your Next Job

During a period of unemployment, it can feel overwhelming searching for a new job. Some job seekers find it difficult to stay positive after facing rejection or non-response. But the truth is, finding a job after unemployment is a lot like finding a job for the first time – staying focused and committed can only help you, not hurt you.

If you’re unemployed and are looking for your next job, keep the following in mind:

• Know your worth
  • Don’t settle for the first job you see. This is especially true if you are used to a certain salary. If you settle for a job that pays $10,000 less than what you were previously making, you may feel the financial sting. While you may have to compromise a bit during the search, stay true to your skills and experience. 

• Keep your resume updated
  • If you’re unemployed for the first time after working in a long-term role, you probably haven’t touched your resume in years. It’s important to review your resume and update it with the most recent information. Also, be sure that it reflects the resume trends of the time. Colored fonts might have been preferred in the past, but be sure to research the latest trends to give yourself a fair shot.

• Make other use of your time
  • While it’s important to focus on your job search, remember that it’s not the only thing that matters in your life. Take time for yourself. Step away from the computer for a few hours and do something you love. For some, this might mean going outside or visiting family or friends. If you don’t give yourself a break every now and then, you might resent the job search process altogether.