Here is a list of frequently asked questions that we hear all the time:

1. Can I apply online?

In most cases, a resounding YES! That’s what they prefer you do. In many states, you can file your initial claim, file your weekly or biweekly claims, check your payment record, and access all kinds of tools and resources. Obviously some states’ websites are better than others, but they really try to be helpful on their websites.

2. I was fired. Can I still collect unemployment?

It depends. Generally speaking, he should be fired from his job “through no fault of his own,” meaning he was part of a layoff, or the company went out of business, or his job was eliminated. However, in individual circumstances this can be a gray area. The best way to determine your eligibility is to simply file a claim. If you are denied, they will tell you why and you can dispute it if you feel it is an unfair determination. In some cases, when a company used minor infractions to justify a termination, they will not dispute your claim.

3. My full time hours (40) were reduced to 30 (or 28 or 25). Or I got fired from my second job. Can I still collect unemployment?

You may be eligible for partial unemployment benefits. Make sure you have your time and compensation records and contact your individual state’s unemployment department.

4. I quit to take care of my sick mother (father, son). Can I still collect unemployment benefits?

Unemployment benefits are available to help those who lost their jobs through employer-based actions such as layoffs, eliminations, or job closures, not because of their own personal needs, no matter how pressing they may be.

5. What information will I need to file my initial claim?

You will need your social security number, name, address, and dates of all employment for the last 18 months. In many states, benefits are paid by direct deposit or debit cards, so you may also need your bank’s routing number and your checking or savings account number if you want direct deposit to be your method. of payment.

6. I worked in one state but live in another. Where do I file?

Start with the state you live in. Ultimately, those unemployment laws (not the amount of compensation) will prevail anyway. However, you can send claims to anyone and see how they get shaken up. For example, I worked in one state but live in another. I introduced myself to both of them, but my “work” status came first, so I introduced myself to them. However, the unemployment laws of my “home” state (where I live) dictated when my Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Extended Benefits ended, even though the state in which I was collecting (“working”) had no such limits.

7. What is the difference between Emergency Unemployment Compensation (UEC) and Extended Benefits (EB)?

Once you have exhausted your initial 26 weeks claim, you can move on to Emergency Unemployment Compensation, which consists of a maximum of four tiers, each consisting of a certain number of weeks within specific date guidelines. This will vary from state to state. Once you have exhausted all levels allowed in your state, you will move to Extended Benefits, which is for an additional 20 weeks. Here’s a breakdown:

Regular State Benefits – 26 weeks

Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)

• Level 1: 20 weeks
• Level 2: 14 weeks
• Tier 3: 13 weeks (for states where the average unemployment rate is 6% or more)
• Tier 4: 6 weeks (for states where the average unemployment rate is 8.5% or higher)

Extended Benefits (EB)

• 13 weeks for states with an average unemployment rate of 6.5% or more
• 20 weeks for states with an average unemployment rate of 8.0% or higher

Note: Benefits are generally paid in this order, but the Governor of each state may elect to pay Extended Benefits before payment of Emergency Unemployment Compensation.

As of December 2010, these benefits are available through 2011, which means that people collecting regular unemployment, EUC or EB can move to the next available level or finish the level they are in if that is the end. No new benefits added; only an extension of time available to pick them up.

8. How long before I receive my first check?

Please allow at least 2-3 weeks to pass before receiving your first payment. If you received any kind of compensation, that will delay the start of your payments.

9. I keep calling and can’t get through. where do i find out….??

Unemployment offices are very busy and persistence and patience are key here. If you really need to talk to a humanoid, just keep calling on different days and at different times of the day and you’ll eventually find out when you have the best chance of talking to someone in a reasonable amount of time. In many cases, the answer to your question can be found on your state’s website. It’s frustrating at first, but learning how to navigate your particular state’s website and phone system will serve you well during the weeks you’ll be collecting, as questions or situations arise where you need information and/or assistance.

10. Can I work part-time and still collect unemployment?

In most cases, yes. A prorated amount of unemployment benefits will be issued for the weeks you worked a part-time job. This can vary from state to state. Check with your local state unemployment department.