Our lives are not stagnant. People will go through many life changes, including where and how they work. If you are facing a layoff, were recently laid off, or can’t find employment, you may be entitled to Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits in the form of a monthly check or other credit.
What is Unemployment Insurance (UI)?
UI is a federally created and state-managed program to assist American workers who have lost their job while looking for new employment. It is an old program created during the end of the Great Depression in 1935 and is a type of social insurance funded through employer-paid taxes into the system on behalf of their workers. It serves a second purpose as it helps keep the economy moving and people buy things to stimulate consumer demand during economic downturns and recessions.
Who is Eligible for UI?
Not everyone out of work qualifies to receive unemployment insurance assistance. There are a couple of prerequisites, and it is false when people say, “why would someone want to work when they can stay on unemployment forever?”. The fact is individuals cannot indefinitely receive UI benefits.
To qualify for UI benefits, an individual must:
- Have been laid off at no fault of their own. This means if you get yourself fired for actions you have taken, you do not qualify.
- Be able to work, be willing and available to work, and be actively looking for employment. You must prove you are applying to positions to continue receiving UI benefits.
- Have earned a certain level of money that was paid in the UI system by their employer and their taxes during a “base period” before they became unemployed. If you’ve never worked, you are not entitled to UI benefits. You may qualify for a very short-term UI benefit if you’ve worked only a little.
Every state has its own criteria to meet to receive UI benefits, and some of these changes are drastic from state to state. Be sure you’re aware of the requirements where you live to receive UI.
How do I Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits?
Every state has its own set of rules, and some are far more strict than others in how they provide UI benefits or for how long. Some states have more extensive requirements of employment hours a person must have worked to receive benefits, and others have shorter limits on assisting.
Find Your States UI Requirements & Apply
To see what your state’s UI program particulars are, click below:
Find Local UI Assistance
Losing your job at no fault of your own is nothing to be ashamed of. Make the most of the time you have while receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits. You can find new work, learn a new skill to improve your resume, and find a fulfilling career in a similar or different field. Use the free resources available to all Americans to use this time to better your employment opportunities.
Employment and training helpline:
- https://www.careeronestop.org
- 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627)
- TTY: 1-877-889-5627
CareerOneStop help: