How To File For Unemployment Insurance Benefits
For those of you who are fortunate to have a stable job and blessed with being gainfully employed, congratulations and more power to you. For those of you who are currently unemployed or out of a job, I feel your frustration. I’ve been there before and know how scary and uncertain the experience can be.
In this fluctuating and unpredictable economy, you never quite know what is lurking around the corner. Life comes at us fast and sometimes job stability, occupational predictability, and all positive aspects of full time employment can disappear in a flash. Sometimes it can be due to our own fallibility and less than perfect work performance, and sometimes it can be due to slowdowns in the economy at large. Life is unpredictable and it’s hard to be certain whether there is such a field that’s a sure thing anymore. During the past few years, jobs and careers related to the real estate and housing market were hot and in great demand. However, years later, with the collapse of the housing bubble, many of the jobs previously fueled by the burgeoning real estate market have mostly disappeared. Even upper echelon MBA-type financial positions at top firms like Merrill Lynch have been down sized and trimmed back, resulting in many educated employees suddenly out of work.
If you find yourself one of many who have been laid off, I feel for you. I’ve been through a sudden job lay off before and it’s not an easy feeling or experience to go through. Not only does it put you in a sudden cash flow crunch, but it forces you to scramble around in desperation to find employment quickly. For those who have a wife, husband, or children depending on that income, the extra financial and familial pressures make the process even more urgent. However, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. There are systems and governmental assistance programs in place to help guide and cushion you during those periodic times of unemployment – namely in the form of unemployment insurance benefits. Don’t let those invaluable financial benefits and entitlements pass you by during times of need – seize them immediately.
Do Not Let Petty Shame Or Guilt Prevent You From Filing For Unemployment Insurance Benefits – It’s Your Money and You Are Entitled To It
I’ve filed for unemployment benefits several times throughout my working career thus far. I will admit, the first time I filed, I felt a tinge of shame and guilt. I felt like it was a hit on my aura of financial independence and a stain on my own sense of masculine pride. As someone who was raised to believe that an important aspect of a man’s duty and responsibility was to provide for himself and his family, it was difficult for me to depend on governmental handouts for the first time. To me, receiving unemployment benefits meant I was now on welfare, and no better than some unmotivated or lazy 40 year old bum who lived in his parent’s basement like some financial leach on society.
However, now that I’ve had experience with being the recipient of unemployment benefits, I now understand what it truly is. To receive unemployment insurance benefits is by no means the same as receiving public welfare. It’s a genuine financial safety net that is subsidized by employers in a socialized manner to help decent working people get back on their feet quickly with as little financial destruction or burden as possible. While unemployment benefits provide free money for times when you’re not working, a fundamental and required tenant is that the recipient actively pursue employment leads while drawing on the temporary financial perks. Being a recipient has no effect on your existing credit score and the mere act of filing has no effect on your future employment prospects. The small amount of compensation provided isn’t sufficient to save or grow rich on, but is just enough to give one a semblance of financial continuity and feeling of self reliance until the person can get back on his or her feet. It helps those who want to help themselves.
Who Pays For The Funds Dispersed For Unemployment Benefits?
Unemployment benefits are provided by a special jointly run fund provided by federal and state payroll taxes called the Unemployment Insurance program. No part of an employee’s actual paycheck goes directly into this unemployment fund (unlike social security) but is instead indirectly funded by employers through a special unemployment insurance tax that they pay. Almost all employers are required to pay unemployment insurance tax to help fund this public service. Unlike worker’s compensation, the employer does not pay unemployment benefits to laid off employees directly, but payments are instead issued by the responsible state agency as needed. Even if an employer goes out of business, unemployment benefits can still be distributed out to the company’s now unemployed workers because funds are socially subsidized by other active employers who pay into this pool of shared funds. When you are out of work for whatever reason, it’s in your own interest to apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. Even if you refuse to file for it, you should know that you are still indirectly paying for this socialized governmental service.
Remember, there is no shame in taking on this temporary financial safety net as a short term stop gap measure – it was designed for you when you need it the most. The money is rightfully yours because your employer pays into the fund on a mandatory basis. Without its existence, you theoretically would have been given higher pay. If because of pride, you refuse to take this temporary governmental handout, ask yourself this question – will pride put food on the table for your family in the meantime until you can find your next job? Will pride pay for necessary groceries or pay for a roof over your held until you can secure that next job interview? Think about it. Desperate times require desperate measures. I personally view unemployment benefits as part of my emergency fund measures.
As Soon As You Become Unemployed, Apply For Unemployment Benefits Immediately
The most important thing to know about seeking unemployment benefit compensation is to file as soon as you become either partially or fully unemployed. Even if you suspect you will be able to file a new job relatively soon, it’s still in your best interest to still file for it sooner than later. There is almost always a 1-2 week lag time between filing and when you receive benefits. Frequently, there is also a mandatory one week waiting period during which the first week will not be compensated for. The benefit clock starts when you file so if you wait around to see if a new job is forthcoming, you may miss out on much deserved unemployment entitlements. If you wait several months after becoming unemployed to file, you won’t be able to claim for the non-working months that have already passed. You can only claim for the time that comes after the moment you file, so don’t delay – get credit for every single moment you remain unemployed.
Even if you are confident that you have sufficient pre-existing emergency funds to live off of, it’s better to file and not risk the chance that your emergency funds ultimately run out. You don’t want to look back later down the road only after draining your bank account completely and racking up unpaid credit card bills, and realized that you ought to have applied for unemployment benefits earlier.
Where Do You File For Unemployment Benefits?
Unemployment benefit applications should be filed in the state where the work was performed. Check out this official U.S. Department of Labor List Of State Unemployment Agencies to determine the correct filing location. Most states today allow unemployment benefit applications to be filed via telephone, in person, or through the Internet. If you want to avoid the stigma or emotional embarrassment of filing for this entitlement in person, filing via phone or through the Internet is a great way to circumvent this problem. Not only that, those methods are also quicker ways get your money more expeditiously.
As mentioned, unemployment filings are made with the state unemployment agency in the state jurisdiction where the work was performed. If you lived in New York and worked in New York, you need to file your claim with the state of New York. What about those who lived in one state, but worked in another? In my case when I filed way back when, I lived in the state of Maryland, but worked in Washington D.C. Since I performed my employment in D.C., my place of unemployment benefit filing would be in D.C. since that’s where my employers actively paid their unemployment taxes to. I could still file with the state of Maryland, but would ultimately be referred by the unemployment hotline and managing system to seek benefits from Washington D.C.
Who Is Entitled To File For Unemployment Benefits and How Much Money Can You Expect?
Generally (individual state laws vary), to qualify for unemployment benefits, an applicant must (1) meet state eligibility requirements regarding how long the employee has previously been working and how much money the employee has earned, (2) make continuing and regular application updates to the managing state agency, (3) be continuously available for work and actively seeking work, and (4) not be subject to any disqualifying employment factor.
To be entitled for unemployment benefits, employees must have become unemployed through no fault of their own (although definitions on fault vary by state). Generally those who voluntarily quit their jobs or were discharged from their positions due to willful misconduct can’t qualify. However, if you were laid off due to downsizing or were discharged due to simple lack of work, you will probably be entitled to benefits. Once approved, to continue to draw on your weekly unemployment checks or direct deposits, you will required to submit weekly updates of your employment and income status either by phone or over the Internet. During that time, you are expected to actively look for work. Obviously the benefits will stop as soon as you become gainfully employed again. While it’s somewhat unlikely the state agency will know if you go on vacation during that period of time instead of looking for work, you should also know that by doing so, you are committing fraud and may be required to pay the benefits back along with penalty fees if discovered. I know some people who did decide to take a brief vacation while still drawing on unemployment benefits, managing to stay under the radar, but not everyone will be that fortunate. Big brother government has sneaky ways to track you down.
To file for unemployment benefits with your state agency, you will need to provide your name, mailing address, phone number, social security number, working phone number, and may sometimes be asked to provide recent pay stubs. However, with computerized filings, oftentimes you will only need to provide your former employer’s name and address, without having to provide wage or salary paperwork. Your most recent employer will be automatically contacted by the state unemployment agency to verify the circumstances and reasons of your work discharge or layoff. Their response will help determine whether you exhibit any of the disqualifying factors to receiving unemployment benefits such as you quitting on your own, or getting fired because you were stealing from them.
The amount of your weekly unemployment benefit checks will vary depending on your past income and the maximum limits of your filing jurisdiction. For those who are higher income earners, your weekly checks will be worth more. The maximum payout amount also differs from state to state. Just to give you a very rough ballpark figure of how much you can expect, the maximum payout for the District of Columbia is currently $359 a week, before tax. At about $1,436 a month, this definitely goes a long way to help pay for basic living expenses like rent until you can get back on your employment feet.
Usually there is a total amount of benefits that each specific applicant can draw upon before the entire fund for that benefit year is tapped out. But until that happens, applicants can usually receive benefits for 6 months straight (26 weeks) before depleting their entire emergency unemployment benefit reserves. Keep in mind as well, all unemployment payouts are considered taxable income. There is usually no tax withholding associated with unemployment benefits so you may be required to pay estimated taxes to meet your tax obligations.
December 29th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I’m a company owner and our work has come to a halt. My employees have already filed for unemployment compensation. The question is I’ve paid in to unemployment all of my working life, am I eligible for unemployment benefits.
I would appreciate anything that can be done.
Thank You,
John M. Chandler, Jr.
678-773-6703
December 31st, 2008 at 4:31 pm
John,
That is a great question to which I don’t have a definitive answer. My suggestion is to go ahead and attempt to apply for unemployment benefits. The worst case scenario is that your claim gets denied because you are defined as an employee that become involuntarily unemployed through no fault of your own as required by your state’s unemployment benefit division.
Try contacting them directly for a more definitive answer. I encourage you to come back and post the official reply answer when you find out.
January 9th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I made between $170,000 to $200,000 during the last three years. If unemployed, what should I expect to get back in benifits?? I reside in Maryland. Thanks
January 15th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
I had this exact question, and what i found out is, if you have been paying in taxes and filing quarterlies, then yes you are entitled to file. They also mentioned that the business has to show its closed down. I asked if they had any of this in writing somehwere, for small business owners needing to file, and so far, nothing that i could find.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:07 am
Unemployed due to downsize/restructuring. Soon to receive a 4 month severence package. Is it better to file now or later? Can filing now affect weekly benefit?
Thank you.
Michigan
January 21st, 2009 at 9:08 am
unemployed due to downsizing. Receiving (in 7-14 days) a 4 month severence package. Do I still file or wait? Pros/cons both ways? Live in MI.
Thx.
February 25th, 2009 at 2:58 am
Can you apply for unemployment if you have been out of work for several years due to injury and unable to work?
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Tom, the state of Michigan has a fact sheet with contact information that may help you get started.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/uia_ClmUnempBenFactSheet36English_76381_7.pdf
March 4th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I worked for a company in New York that paid thru Paychex and the last 3 months of my employment I was paid by company check with no deductions. My former employer received a letter from the Unemployment office charging him $1,600 fee for the month of January. How will this affect my unemployment claim? He claims he will call them and stop my unemployment benefits, and that I owe him that money. Please I need your advise.
Thank you.
March 9th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Ok my question is would i be able to qaulify for unemployment benefits with this reason. It is very possible that i might be losing my job soon because i work for a call center. And we have certain metrics that we have to meet in order not to get written up and i am already on my second write up as of yesterday. If they terminate me for my metrics and it has nothing to do with 1.doing drugs on the job,2.Getting in a fight at work,3.quitting,4.and lack of showing up to work when scheduled to. please reply to my question and let me know as much information you have asap. appreciate it.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:09 am
My scenario is a bit odd. My employer is not paying any bills. We work in advertising and he has not paid almost all of our local print suppliers, media companies, and many other bills that are necessary to do business. I know his debt problems are really bad because debt collectors call all day almost everyday. We even get the gas company showing up to turn off the gas once a month.
I’ve had one pay check bounce, but he issued me a new check and paid me for all of my charges that were caused by this occurrence. I don’t know details exactly, but I assume he is taking clients money for projects and paying us our payroll but not paying any of the other vendors. It seems like the company is going to bust at any moment. I come in to work wondering if the doors will be locked by the local sheriff.
My question is, can I leave this company and collect unemployment because of the work environment? My employer is lying to us all about projects that are coming in that we never see. I no longer believe him when he tells us things are going fine.
March 12th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I have a question regarding unemployment. I have been working as a sales assistant with my company for almost two years. A few weeks ago I was pulled into my boss’s office and told that they were cutting my position at the Presidents request due to loss of business. They (both bosses) had gone to bat for me, and the President said that since someone in customer service had resigned that I could take that position if I was interested. I accepted verbally but have not yet moved into that position. I really don’t want to, as it is a demotion really in terms, but in these uncertain times, I feel it may be necessary. I had thought that if I turn the job down that I may be eligible for unemployment since my position is being terminated and I would be let go if I dont accept the other job. Am I able to collect UI since I ultimately would be forced into another position?
Thanks!
March 12th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Can I collect unemployment if my job is being eliminated, but the company has offered me another position in another department? It is in a sense a demotion, and I feel that I am not right for the nature of the job.
Thanks!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I have the same question as Andrea… I will be laid off next week, and they will offer me a position in the company for 1/2 the salary I receive now.
I live in MD and am pretty sure because they will offer me the other position, I am ineligible for benefits.
Is there a way around this? Maybe not signing the papers saying they offered me a position I turned down?
Thanks!
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Sarah,
According to the Maryland unemployment handbook:
“You must not, without good cause, refuse a referral or any offer of suitable work. If you refuse an offer of work, we will need to determine if the job was suitable and whether or not you refused with good cause. Factors which are taken into consideration in determining whether work is suitable include, but are not limited to, previous work experience, prevailing salary for the job in your geographical area, physical and mental fitness, risk to your health, safety, the distance from your home, your length of unemployment and prospects for obtaining work in your customary occupation.”
April 13th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I will still have monies available to me in my account when my year ends – I live in North Carolina – I was able to get a part time job so some weeks I did not get as much from my unemployment – I was wondering if I can still get this money after the year is up if I continue to file?
April 14th, 2009 at 2:12 am
Teresa,
Individual state unemployment policies vary but generally you can continue to claim a portion of your unemployment benefits even if you are working a part time job…however, at the same time, it’s very likely that your part time income amount may ultimately disqualify you from further unemployment benefits (you make too much to qualify for true unemployed status).
April 14th, 2009 at 11:15 am
I live in CA, work in San Francisco, I am a single parent and I have a son in High School, well my son is having problems and it takes me over an hour to get to him when there is an emergency, I was offered a job that was closer to home but it is only a temp position for 4 months, once the assignment is up can I file for unemployment benefits.
April 14th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Ashely,
You ought to check with California’s state unemployment regulations in greater detail on the matter, but I believe you should be able to qualify for unemployment benefits after the 4 month term is up…assuming you earned sufficient qualification income during the preceding months. The qualification income varies from state to state.
On another note, are you sure you want to move and sacrifice a presumably stable current job? If you moved, your new job would only be a temporary 4 month assignment. Are you willing to give up your stable long term employment at your current location?
May 2nd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Hello all,
Unfortunately, my position will be eliminated at the end of May so I have a couple of basic questions.
1. Can I file for unemployment benefits before my last day with the company (i.e. one week before termination date)?
2. If I file for unemployment benefits online does the agency require me to show up “in person” for some kind of verifications? I currently live in NY. Sorry for my ignorance but I don’t seem to locate this information anywhere on the NY Labor website.
3. Do I need to use my current postal address or can I use my friend’s address which I have no record of living there in the past?
Thank you very much.
Hung
May 7th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Hung Le,
I am not the definitive expert on New York State labor laws or NY unemployment regulations, but I’ll do my best to answer your unemployment related questions or at least point you in the right direction. I’m a bit more familiar with the laws regarding my home state of Maryland, but I do know a thing or two about generally applicable state unemployment regs. However, at the same time, I’m by no means an unemployment benefits guru.
But in general, you can’t file for unemployment insurance benefits until you are completely out of work. You can’t file in mere anticipation of unemployment. You have to actually be out of work and be actively searching for a new job.
These days in most states, there is no longer the requirement that you actually show up physically, although many jurisdictions require you to attend mandatory job fairs and job training seminars etc. But with unemployment benefit applications going online and becoming more web-based, there is less and less of a requirement for in person verification. Just keep in mind though, if your claims are fraudulently claimed or filed, the state government agency can impose stiff penalties, seek the return of paid out benefits, and prosecute you criminally for fraud and intent to defraud etc.
As for your last question, I’m not entirely certain on the correct answer. But I don’t think it matters the address you give, so long as you file it with the correct state jurisdiction where the work was performed.
May 9th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Hello,
Was wondering, if I’ve worked and lived in New York State but am employed through a Texas University am I able to collect unemployment in New York? I’ve been paying state and city taxes in New York and my employer has a New State Tax ID so I assume there should be no problem. Any info would be great appreciated!
May 10th, 2009 at 2:41 am
Helene,
I believe you are correct. If you lived and worked in the state of New York for a Texas based company/institution, you would still file unemployment benefits through the state of New York, where the work was performed.
I had a similar situation in the past where I lived in Maryland, but worked in the District of Columbia for a staffing agency based in New York/New Jersey. Ultimately I properly filed and received my unemployment checks with the D.C. government authorities, the location where my work was performed.
May 11th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Hi Raymond,
Thank you for your insights. I did some research after posting the above msg and noticed the info is consistent with you provided in your msg.
Looks like I am able to leave NYC on my last day with my current employer, and avoid the extra weeks of rent
.
Good luck to all.
Hung
May 13th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
QUICK QUESTION….. IF I HAVE SAVINGS IN THE BANK AND DONT WANT TO TOUCH THAT RIGHT NOW AFTER I GOT FIRED AND NOW IM APPLYING FOR UN-EMPLOYMENT…WILL UN-EMPLOYMENT CHECK YOUR BANK ACCT TO SEE IF YOU HAVE MONEY AND DISQUALIFY YOU BECUASE THEY SEE THAT YOU DONT NEED MONEY, WHEN REALLY THATS SAVINGS FOR A HOUSE SOME DAY I WANT TO BUY BUT JUST AT THE TIME THAT IM W/OUT A JOB DONT WANT TO TOUCH. JUST CURIUOS IF ANYONE KNOWS?
May 17th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Currently the situation is: I continue to show up for work and do my job. My employer has not paid me for 1.5 months. I still have one check he issued me through the Dept of Labor. It will not cash because the IRS has “frozen all his accounts” Can I apply for unemployment if I stop going to work and look for a job?
June 7th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Hi. My position (retail assistant manager) is being eliminated by my company. If i am offerred another position at a lower rate of pay, will i be eligible for unemplyment insurance if i refuse it? Thanks….
June 10th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Hello,
My last day of work was in mid April. Fortunately, I had some money saved up so I’ve been traveling for awhile, and I plan to continue to travel until September before starting to look for a job.
So my question is — Can I file for Unemployment Insurance in September after I get back? Is there an expiration date as far as when I’m supposed to file by? And finally, if I file in September and be approved, am I eligible to receive UI for 6 months or until I find employment?
Thank you in advance. Much appreciated.
June 17th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Hi,
I was working in NYC & was laid off on Feb 2nd, received severance until end of March During Feb until end of March i was almost having a good job offer but did not get hired. Therefore I missed filing for UI benefits. Secondly my wife was pregnant during that time and had some complications, that distracted me a lot. Will I get credit for the missed weeks? Do the board normally consider such applications for prior period credits? This was the first time in my career of 12 years I got laid off and had to go on unemployment.
Thanks
San
June 19th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Hi,
I worked for a company that has closed down recently. Not just the one location that I worked at; rather, all 26 stores, including headquarters and the h.r. offices have also closed. They let me go prior to it, calling it downsizing, so I didnt get a severance. My question is, since the company is now closed, is there any way for me to collect UI? Im just worried that because no one works there anymore, there wont be a way for the state to confirm that I was let go at no fault of my own (attendance, failing to adhere to policies, etc)…Can anybody help me? Thanks!
June 20th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Retired. Forced to return to work to pay for debt incurred by family problem. Found a job. Worked 9 months. Told there would not be funding for the job next year. Am I able to apply for UI?
June 22nd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Chris, unemployment is not based on need. It is only based on requirements that involve how long you were employed, how much you made, etc. It does not matter how many assets you have. This comes from an insurance that is paid by the employer.
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Took early retirement from job. Applied for UEC and was denied. I did not dispute the claim is it to late to dispute or should I file a new claim. I think I should qualify, the job had become very stressful and several people have filed stress claims and one person actually passed away at the job.
June 30th, 2009 at 5:55 am
I accepted a position a couple of years ago in which would require me to travel “some” and when asked how much was told to ask a co-worker how much she travels and the response was 1 to 2 nights a week. In the past year our company has expanded in development but experienced cut backs in staff which doubled my work load causing me to travel 3-4 nights a week and working 50-70 hours per week (salary non exempt) to get the work done. My family and my health have greatly been impacted due to this schedule. My company will not fire me, I work too hard, and I can’t afford to quit to seek employment elsewhere in my area. I reside in Arkansas, if I am unable to continue the travel (I have an elementary age child at home) and am forced to quit for personal/health reasons is there any way to receive unemployment benefits?
July 15th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Question: Can I re-apply for unclaimed unemployment benefits? I filed for benefits about 2 yrs ago but never receive any money from it. I was a stay at home mom. Now that I’m trying to find work and my family needs the money. Can I re-file from my last job?
August 8th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Question: If I got fired for misconduct of theft, can I still file for unemployment benifits? I know i didn’t steal anything but I still got fired. I am having a hard time finding a lawyer to represent me but I am still looking. Please advise. Greatly appreciated.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
My husband has been collecting unemployment in MI for more than a year (we have the highest unemployment rate in the country) and NOW, after more than a year, his former employer states he quit, and we have to answer MESC as to why we filed that he was laid off. He worked for a security company that lost its contract where he was employed. The point is, how can they claim he quit after all this time? If they really thought that, wouldn’t they have had to claim that in the beginning? Can they change their position like this?
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I have been unemployed for several months and drawing unemployment. I have found a part time job but I will not get paid for 2 weeks. Can I still file my claim at the end of the first work week? I worked that week but will not be paid until the following week. I live in Indiana.
Thanks, Rob.
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Hi, I recently quit one job to go to a higher paying job. After working there for only a month, the position I have is being cut. I was offered a severance check for two weeks, or let them transfer me to another location within a 25 mile radius of the location I work at. Not knowing what department I will be in or where I will be transfered to bothers me. If I take that option, I forfeit my severance.
Will I be able to file for unemployment in the state of California?
September 8th, 2009 at 9:05 am
I received a questionnaire from the unemployment office asking how much do I have in my checking and savings accounts. Can they disqualify me because I have sufficient funds to carry me until I find a job? My husband passed away and I had to sell my home and move in with my daughter in another state. So I filed to see if I can collect until I get a job.
September 10th, 2009 at 1:11 am
Hi, I received a bonus in a quarter that was more than 1.5x the total of my other 3 quarters of compensation. Because of this, I was denied Emergency Unemployment Extension. The criteria prevents individuals from receiving extended benefits if any quarter of income is more than 1.5x the sum of the other three quarters. The reason this was implemented is to prevent people from receiving unemployment if they only worked one quarter or so. In my case, I worked all year, but received a large bonus in the 4th quarter that was earned throughout the course of the year, similar to how an insurance company receives a lump sum payment for insurance that is earned throughout the entire period.
Anybody have any advice on how i can appeal this? i can’t find a job and the bonus money is gone!
September 12th, 2009 at 11:05 am
I am currently laid off from my job as a secretary for the school system in Michigan. I am currently seeking employment, but my search is taking me further and further from my home. If I get a job offer from a company that is too far (in my mind) to travel everyday, do I have to accept the job. I own a home and have children that attend school, etc. I guess I am wondering what the distance is that would require me to accept a job offer, or lose my unemployment benefits.
October 13th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
hi raymond, i recent filed the claim for unemployment ( i was a teacher at public school) but now i also work 28 hours as part time earn about $330per week before tax reduction. what I am worried about is tax filing. am I able to receive any benefit? or do i need to pay the tax…
I am on the edge so.. I am so so worrried.
what can i do?
October 17th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I am a NC business owner that is structured as a PLLC (professional limited liability company) filing as an S-Corp. I have been paid as an employee through payroll for several years and therefore had SUTA withheld. My business partner and I do not want to close the business, but cannot continue to ‘pay’ ourselves through a credit line. We are a design service company and have little to no work at the moment. Can we collect unemployment for a short period of time until business picks up again?
October 20th, 2009 at 11:33 am
If I make a claim for uneployment and move to another state can I still collect my money while looking for another job?
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I worked for a company that was primarily construction and they branched off into a media division. I was hired as lead technician for the media division at a base salary of 50k a year. Due to lack of work I received a letter from the office stating that my position was being ELIMINATED and that they wanted to offer me a position on the construction side (of which I have no experience) for an hourly rate of 1/2 what I was making and they took the company van back as well. I live an hour away and the gas alone would kill me. I turned down the position for these reasons and filed for UE. I get one check and 2 days later I receive a letter from the EC informing me of a hearing for eligibility due to concern raised om whether I QUIT for good cause. Do I have the right to UE because I believe I do. Please let me know. I do not want to collect UE if I will get burned for some crap like this. I have a family of 4 and trying to find work but this industry of audio/video is dead at the moment. I live in VA by the way.
October 26th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I just spoke with the labor board in the state of CA and was informed that though I did give my resignation by the company letting me go befor that date I was “Fired”. Can I file a claim for unemployment with that?
October 30th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
I was wrking a job in Louisiana and my husbands company relocated us to another state and I had to quit my job to go with my husband. Am I eligible to draw UI in the state of louisiana? I have been filing for ten weeks and every week I get a letter from Louisiana UI stating a determination has not been decided yet to keep filing. I have called UI’s office 14 times and have been on hold up to 1 hour and still have yet to talk to a person. Can you HELP with suggestions
October 30th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
If I work in one state but live in a neighboring state, where do I file my unemployment insurance benefits with? My guess is that I ought to file it with the state I actually work in since that’s where my current employer is paying his unemployment insurance premiums to, however I can also see how the state I reside in might be responsible as well since I do pay income taxes to them.
Either way, I dread filing for unemployment benefits. Just got laid off from my administrative assistant job. Makes me feel like I’ve done something wrong, but I guess free money is free money and besides, it’s governmental money that I’m entitled to. In this rough recession, who in the right mind would turn down a much needed handout I suppose. This economy needs major help.
November 1st, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I work in PA. my position was eliminated — my employer wanted me to sign a paper agreeing that I take a pay cut of over $700 and a lower position. Can I file for unemploymnet?
November 8th, 2009 at 11:16 am
I am working for a company in Alabama, and i am in sales. MY employer has written me up several times for being in the bottom third of the sales saff, but the write up say differnt things from termination to coaching. Can i get unemployment for not producing enough sales? this company doesn’t have any written information ragarding what the bottom third is,how much i have to produce or how many times i can be in it. I am still working there even though i’ve been on a final since august, i think they are keeping me there untill they hire someone else to fill my spot.
November 10th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Hello, I would like to know if i can get benefits if i was working at a company and that company terminated me because clocking in for someone else? as soon as i was terminated i got a new job after 2 months i left that second job and got a new one better paid but i didn’t now that last job was seasonal only. Can i get benefits cause of all this? Thanks
November 13th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Hi,
I have a questiona I filed for UI and recieved “determination of benefits eligibility stating that I am approve some $$ my questions are:
1. How long will it take to recieve my check?
2. Do I have to keep filing every week until I get the job?
please help me with the process.
November 15th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I was terminated from my job and want to know where I should file for unemployment insurance. The company I worked for is headquartered in Massachusetts, but I worked for them in a small office of 2 people in New York. There is a clause in my termination agreement that states that all disputes will be resolved under the laws of Massachusetts. Does any of this allow me to file my claim in MA?
Thank you.
November 25th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Hi,
I have collected two tiers of unemployment benefits and the third tier was a policy signed by Obama for an extension of unemployment benefits due to such a high unemployment rate in this country. Thanks to the recession, finding work is very difficult and no one is hiring due to “hiring freezes”.
My question is that the amount of my extension has not been exhausted, however when I claimed my weekly unemployment benefits the “recording” told me that my benefits were exhausted since it has been a year since I have started collecting. But, I don’t understand how can that be since my remaining balance has not been exhausted completely.
Hope someone can help me out. Thank you.
November 30th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
I havent worked in 4 years due to the company i worked for sold out and I was no longer needed there..I didnt file for unemployment at that time..will i be eligible now..i worked for 25 years and never have drawn unemployment benefits..can i now?
December 4th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I reside in Maryland and have recently exhausted my 26 weeks of Unemployment Insurance Payments. My last payment was for the week ending 10/31/09. My understanding is that I should be receiving a letter of eligibility for the Tier I EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation.) It is now December 4th and I have yet to receive a letter or payment. It has been a month and I am completely broke. I, like you all, can not find a job and am unsure what to do. I have no money to even buy one Christmas present for the children and I also am in dire need to have several of my prescription medications filled. I am diabetic with high blood pressure, etc. I am sorry to go on and on. I have sent emails and made several calls (although it says on the website not to call until you receive a letter.) My question is just when should I expect to receive the letter and following Tier I payments. I never would have imagined that it would take this long since I am already in the Unemployment system. Any information would be greatly appreciated. My best to all of you during this tough time.
December 7th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Hi all…I reside/work in Maryland. On Friday I was summonized to our administrative office. I worked part time-for the last 3 years and before that I worked full time-for 4 years, for the same physician. I worked a total of 22.5 hours per week. I was told that my position for this particular office was being eliminated BUT they have a position for me for approximately 8-10 hours per week and its over 20 minutes from my house. I was told if I don’t take it, they would be expecting my resignation.
My first question is- Can an employer force you to take a position that is less hours that you worked? If so, can the employer FORCE you to resign???
Second question is-If I decide not to take this position will I qualify for unemployment????? Help!~!!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 11:35 am
I am currently receiving unemployment compensation benefits from the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). I’ve been out of work for nearly 6 months. I can probably get an extension but my question is this: If I were to accept a temporary job that has a finite end date of probably less than 3 months, would I then be disqualified from my original claim? If I do still qualify, would the original amount still apply? What if the temp job is in another state?
December 13th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I was advised last Friday, that December 31st is my last day of employment due to budget cuts. I have been working as a contractor for a consulting firm based in San Francisco, but performing work for a company in Massachusetts. I have been working here in Massachusetts for the past 16 months. My residence, up until two weeks ago was in Florida. I just purchased a home and moved to Tennessee on November 24th. Would I file for unemployment in Massachusetts? I’ve paid state taxes in Mass since starting work here in Aug 2008. I don’t know how this works as my employer is actually located in California. I will be looking for work near to my home, not in Massachusetts. Please advise where I should file as I need to file during the first week in January. Having just signed for a new mortgage, I am worried sick that if I don’t have unemployment insurance benefits right away I could lose my new home if I do not secure a new job within a month or two when my savings will surely run out.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
My wife was just hit by a car while walking across a parking lot and is currently in a boot due to fractures in her leg and ankle, and can’t walk right now. She’s only been out of work for one week. I took her to see the doctor yesterday, whom is the doctor she works for (she’s a CMA), and she says, “I’m really sorry but we can’t wait for you to heal, we need to go ahead and hire someone to take your place”. So question is, can she receive unemployment, even though the is physically unable to work for at least a couple more weeks? Or should she just try to get temporary disability for now? and how long would that take? If she can’t receive unemployment right now, can she receive it after she’s well enough to begin looking for another job? This all really sucks, especially since we literally just bought our first house together just a couple of days before the accident….AND it’s right here at Christmas. We live in NC btw.
December 15th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
If I work In Pennsylvania for a few weeks but live in Mississippi, Can I file unemployment in Pa.?
December 30th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I live in Michigan but worked in New York for about five weeks. I was staying in a hotel in NY while working and I finished up the last job the guy had for me. I called his office to ask if he had any more work for me and he wasn’t there and his secretary said she didn’t think there was anymore work but didn’t know. So I told her I was going back to Michigan as this was a financial burden to pay for a hotel in NY when I have a home in Michigan and to call me when there was more work and I would come back to NY. He never called me so I filed for unemployment. I was denied unemployment because he claimed I quit. Then I got a job for about 3 months in Michigan and was ultimately laid off from Michigan. I filed for unemployment in Michigan but they are trying to deny me benefits because it was determined I quit my job in NY and denied benefits. Can’t I just collect on my jobs in Michigan? I also worked in Michigan before the NY job. Can’t they use those in my Michigan unemployment claim and forget about my NY job?
January 8th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Hello,
I have an issue, benefits were allowed but against the job before the one I got fried from thus giving me lower weekly benefit. Based on the quarters they were working off of, the newer jobs income did not come into play. This would have been a big increase in weekly benefit. I waited to apply for benefits , 1) becuase I misread the detrmination that was allowing me benefits, I thought I had been denied and 2) because I figured if I waited until the next quarter, then they would re-evaluate the money paid and my benefit would be higher each week. They tell me that is not the case and that this rate would remain in effect for one year of the initial filing even if i went back to work, made more money and then re-collected unemployment if I were to lose that job. This does not make sense, I thought it would go by the amount of time you put in after coming off of unemployment that dicates the weekly benfit since you may be making sugnificantly more money. In this case it would be since the job they made the determination on was p/t while going to scholl and I made very little money hourly. BTW, this would be MD UC benefits.
Does this sound right to you or should I call them back again and try to speack to someone else who may know better.?
January 9th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Mel, what state does he intend to seek benefits from?
January 20th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Laurie,
Based on your description it sounds like you have the base period requirements covered.
Hope the following handbook link helps.
http://www.labor.state.ny.us/formsdocs/ui/tcce4-08web.pdf
January 21st, 2010 at 8:09 pm
Hi,
I’ve been working for the same company for over 15 years. Due to the current economic situation the company has offered a one-time early retirement option to qualified employees (employees must be 50+ years old AND have at least 10 years of service). This is part of the cost cutting measures they’re taking. This retirement is strictly voluntary. My question is….if I take this early retirement can I still apply and qualify for unemployment? The company is in California.
Thanks.
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Juan,
The following is from the Arkansas unemployment handbook:
“An Interstate Claim is a claim being paid by Arkansas even though you live in another state. To file an interstate claim, go to your nearest unemployment insurance office and request this type of claim. You will be given the forms and/or information on how to file. To contact Arkansas’ Interstate Unit, call (501)-683-2760.”
Hope that helps.
Edd
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
LA,
I think that you have probably waited to long, although that may differ depending on the state. Bottom line is, nothing ventured, nothing gained. You may want to submit a written application with accurate information included. If you’re rejected, there will probably be an administrative appeals process available to you.
Also, unemployment isn’t the only benefit available. Go to http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal and click your state to see what other help you might qualify for.
Edd
January 25th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I over collected….what do I do?
January 25th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Melissa,
Contact your state’s appropriate unemployment department. In California, that would be the Benefit Overpayment Collections Section at 1-800-676-5737.
What state are you in?
Edd
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:11 pm
I was notified today that in 6 months my position is no longer going to exist and if I want to keep my job I will have to apply for another position within the company. I was told I would keep my pay rate but will have to work at nights and weekends. I took my current position due to it being Monday through Friday day shifts and I cannot work on nights nor weekends due to childcare. If I do not conform and work them I will not have a position. Will I be elegible for unemployment if the company doesn’t accomodate me?
February 4th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Kimberlynn,
The answer will vary depending on which state you reside in. Almost all states provide online sites with handbooks and Frequently Asked Questions sections. If the new position doesn’t involve a reduction in hours, it could be a problem.
If you are without work, there are a number of help programs available in most states such as foodstamps, medicaid (adult and child health care), State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), energy assistance programs, school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC (supplemental foods and health care) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), among others.
Edd
February 6th, 2010 at 2:23 am
In Arkansas the company I have worked for going on 15 years has now cut my hours from 3 days a week 9-5 to none. They offered me some work but said if there was not enough work for me to do I would be sent home. There reason was: I gave a co worker much of my work to do along time ago because I did not want to do it any longer. Also they wanted to train me for a new process the company was going to start doing to support one of the programs they had for customer support. I told them I did not want to do it and they did not make me but gave the work to the other office workers that did want it. I was told that this is the direction they was going due to customer demand and that they would go forward with it that the old way is no longer a process. My boss did tell me that if I did not do it I would not get work hours. I did not want a reduction of hours on the days I worked there and told my boss I only wanted a full day of work not partial and I did not want the work they was implementing for the office workers. I make $7.50 an hour and put in for partial umemployment on 22 Jan. 09 as my last work day was 21 Jan. 09. Now I am not getting any hours at all. I have not quit, they have not fired me but I was told I would just be on call now that they could not work me because i refused the new process they was starting and that they could not work me full days with what little work I agreed to do and that I had given my work away. My boss told me he could not take the work back from the other workers that I did not want to do anymore that it would not be fair to the other workers. Since my boss is saying no work is available (because I gave my work away and I did not want less hours and I did not want to do the new process of a program they was going to start doing) can I draw partial unemployment or umemployment period because I don’t think they are going to call me back in to work. I applied for partial umemployment but now they have not called me in at all and I don’t know if I will get partial and if so or not, should I apply for being laid off, even though they did not lay me off-my boss just said no work for me based on what I would and would not do, meaning I would work full days 3 days a week, I would not learn the new program so that left me with nothing to do 3 full days a week, and I gave my other job to someone else that kept me pretty busy before. Again, now I have no job because they are not calling me in to work at all. Please help! Thanks in advance. I just don’t want to go in and work 4 or 5 hours a day 3 days a week and I do not want to learn that new program, plus they will not give me what I use to do back from my co worker that has been doing what I did for about 3 years or more now. What do I do?
February 8th, 2010 at 4:13 am
Shelly,
Good luck getting back on your feet. Here’s a site with a list of benefit programs in Arkansas that may help until you find new work.
http://www.govbenefits.gov
Once you’re at the site, click Benefits, then click State, then click Arkansas.
February 9th, 2010 at 12:00 am
I have been working full-time for the same company for 11 years, but as of 2 weeks ago, I drastically reduced my hours so that I could go to school full-time for one semester. Before making this decision, I discussed my situation with my employer and told him point-blank that I am interested in working on a very limited part-time basis (7 hours/week) for 4 months, while I complete my schooling, and then coming back to work full-time in May, when I am finished. I told him I would only do this if it was not a problem with him, and he agreed (everything was only verbal). So now out of nowhere, he implied today that he might not need me full-time in May anymore because business is slow and if it stays that way, he won’t need me. So what unemployment benefit options would I have at that point? Is there anything I should do to protect myself now in case this should really happen? Thank you.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:51 am
Linda,
The state of Mississippi, like most states, has a Unemployment Insurance Claimant Handbook. Unfortunately, it is very brief and does not provide detailed guidance. The state also uses a ridiculously long 355 character URL to link to the handbook, so I’ve created a Tiny URL alternative to take you to the handbook instead. Click http://tiny.cc/36BNx
The Mississippi handbook does state, among other things, that a claimant must “be unemployed through no fault of your own” and also to report “any offer of work.”
There is also a section of the handbook that describes the Mississippi appeals process. It reads, “A claimant or an employer affected by a decision of the agency can appeal the denial of benefits, or the award of benefits. The adversely affected party can appeal an initial determination, or an amended determination. Your appeal must be in writing and must be filed within fourteen (14) calendar days of the mail date on the decision. Holidays and weekends will not extend the time for filing the appeal. To file an appeal, you should report to the claims center or itinerant point where proper forms and information are available. If you appeal by letter, your Social Security number should be included. IF YOU REMAIN UNEMPLOYED, you should continue to file your claim each week until you receive a decision.”
The federal government has a state by state directory of public benefits available when people are in need. You can find it at http://www.govbenefits.gov
February 10th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Jena,
If you have been in covered employment, contributions into the state fund should have been made by your employer for all of your work, part time or otherwise, that you have performed over what the state of New York considers to be your base period for purposes of eligibility. A description of how the state determines eligibility and calculates the amount of benefits to be paid is set out in the state Unemployment Handbook, beginning on pages 3 and 4.
You can download the entire handbook at the following URL:
http://www.labor.state.ny.us/formsdocs/ui/tcce4-08web.pdf
Hope it helps.
February 13th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
I am currently unemployed in Pennsylvania and am pulling in 408 a week in UC benefits. I recently turned down a job offer for 9 dollars an hour which would be 360 dollars a week. i was reading in the PA UC law and it says in one part that suitable employment must be no less than 80% of my “average weekly wage”, as defined in the fair trade act, which is one-thirteenth of my highest quarter, the quarter my unemployment is based on. My average weekly wage is roughly 800 dollars a week. can i be denied for UC benefits for turning down a job making about 40% of my average weekly wage, which is even LESS than what i am making on unemployment?
February 14th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Cynthia,
Colorado unemployment benefits are based on wages received in covered employment for the previous 4 to 5 months, depending on which method is used to calculate compensation.
You can find the Colorado unemployment handbook here:
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=application/pdf&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251607133378&ssbinary=true
February 19th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
If the employer offer me lower salary and i don’t want to accept it,and he fired me, can i get unemployment ??
February 20th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Hello. I read every comment and question and don’t believe this question has been asked. I’m currently receiving emergency benefits from NY. I’m thinking of moving to NJ. Can I still exhaust my emergency benefits from NY if I move to another state and can’t find employment there in the next several months? If so, what do I need to do? Do I just change my address and continue to claim weekly benefits like normal?
February 21st, 2010 at 6:10 am
DLB,
The following is from the NY Claimant Handbook:
What if I am going to move out of New
York State?
If you are planning to move to another state, you must
notify the TCC immediately. They can provide
information on transferring your claim.
Contact the TCC at the toll-free 1-888-209-8124
number (1-877-358-5306 for Out-of-State residents)
between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday,
Eastern Standard Time. After you enter your Social
Security number and PIN, you must select the option to
change your name or address.
For Direct Deposit users: once you change your
address on our system, you should contact your
financial institution to update your new contact
information.
For Direct Payment Card users: once you change your
address on our system, you must contact Chase
Customer Service at 1-877-221-1634 to update your
new contact information.
http://www.labor.state.ny.us/formsdocs/ui/TC318_3e.pdf
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Milo,
Milo,
Once you submit your claim, the state of Florida will get information from your former employer. Based on the information received, the state will make a determination as to whether your claim for benefits will be granted or denied.
You may find the following link and text useful:
http://www.floridajobs.org/Unemployment/bri/BRI%20English%20Rev%2010-2007%20for%20web.pdf
When potentially disqualifying information is received from former employers or other valid sources:
• Your claim will be sent to the Adjudication Unit.
• You may be contacted for additional information.
• A separate determination will be made for each issue and employer.
When the investigation is completed, a written determination will be mailed to explain whether benefits are allowed or denied.
Read your determination carefully!
• If your claim is payable, you will receive a payment for any payable weeks that you claimed.
• If your claim is not payable, the determination will explain the reason for denial and your appeal rights.
If you disagree with a determination that denies benefits, you may request an appeal hearing. See page 10 in this booklet for more information.
Some of the reasons a person may be denied benefits are as follows:
• Quitting either part-time or full-time work for personal reasons. Benefit payments can only be paid if you quit for good cause attributable to your employer, or for a personal illness or disability that made it necessary for you to leave the job.
• Being discharged for misconduct connected with work. Misconduct is an intentional or controllable act or failure to take action, which shows a deliberate disregard of the employer’s interests. Misconduct may include breaking a known company policy.
• Not being able to work or available for work. You must be able, ready and willing to accept a suitable job immediately. You must also be able to get to work and have adequate child care in order to be able to work.
• Refusing an offer of suitable work.
• Being on a leave of absence you requested.
• Knowingly making false statements to obtain benefit payments.
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Unsure,
Georgia may look on your situation as being voluntary. You have a choice (though admittedly not much of one) on whether or not to move.
You can apply and see what their decision is.
The standard set out in Georgia’s unemployment handbook is:
YOUR JOB SEPARATION
1. You must be unemployed or partially unemployed through no fault of
your own to receive benefits. Information will be obtained from your
employer regarding your separation. Examples of potentially
qualifying reasons are:
You were laid off due to lack of work.
You are still working but the employer reduced your hours due
to a lack of work.
You were fired without work-related misconduct.
You quit your job for a good work-related reason.
http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/forms/dol414.pdf
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Chris,
Those questions look like they came from OMB Standard Form 86. Rather than take a chance on the proper interpretation of the questions, you might want to get clarification from someone within the agency first.
March 17th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
The following is from the Texas Workforce Commission Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Work Search InformatIon handbook, addressing issues affecting benefits:
• Quit to move with your spouse, Texas reduces the number of weeks and the amount of benefits you can receive.
• Quit to move with your military spouse, Texas lets you receive benefits without penalty if your spouse has a permanent change of station longer than 120 days or a tour of duty longer than one year.
See http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/bnfts/bi-99.pdf
March 22nd, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Hi, I live in Texas and I was laid off in Feb. 2009. I spent 3 months on unemployment and then got a job at a facility in another town. I worked this job for 3 months and with the recession in full swing they were getting workers much cheaper than what they were paying me. I was let go under “circumstances” and I filed again for unemployment. The second company fought it and I won and was granted unemployment again because I had done no wrong. During the first two weeks after I was let go I took a job 145 miles from my house (I was desperate) and tried to keep up the drive of 300 miles per day and 10 hr shift. It was brutal and I could not. I was falling asleep at the wheel. The job didn’t pay enough to warrant a move, they fired a guy the first week and they were threatening if I didn’t “make production” they would lower my pay AND I have a 13 yr old in school. The job was terrible. I was there 2 weeks and resigned. Right after I left, my unemployment was approved. I listed the income when I filed my claim and did not get a state check for those two weeks. They had reinstated my original claim and I drew state pay for 3 months (to finish out the 6 months state) and then went on Federal extended. The Feds kicked it back to the state saying Texas should have started a NEW claim that second time because I made enough money in those 3 months at the second job to qualify. I should have gotten 6 months state granted again. So my extended benefits abruptly ended while the state sorted this out. I talked to them on the phone several times and the guy I talked to said I was approved because that short term out of town job was unreasonable. He said he talked to his supervisor. I was relieved. Then the following day a hold was placed on my acct. (I use online access). I called again and was told I had to wait 3 to 6 weeks for my checks to begin again but it would happen. It has been two weeks since that conversation. Now, I see on the Texas Unemployment web site that I am denied because “You are disqualified because you quit your job”. I was under the impression you are not required in Texas to take a job more than 50 miles from your home and I told this employer going in I would “give it a try but it’s a long ways” (machinist job, small shop). I drove 1800 miles in the two weeks I worked there. It was just impossible to keep it up. I am going to appeal the decision. Fortunately I found a job almost immediately after I was told I would have to wait and have started working again (thank the good lord, he was watching out for me) but I am afraid if I do not appeal they will cry foul. Besides, I feel I was in the right and it’s the principle. They still owe me for at least the two weeks I didn’t get after the Fed kicked it back. Can anyone advise me?
April 4th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Indiana resident for 21 years & worked for Indiana employer approximately 9 mos in 2008. When I was laid off, may expectation was to be recalled when more work was available. When I filed for Indiana UC benefits the first of 4 times, I responded that I would not accept other full-time employment were it offered to me. My claims were denied. After realizing that I was probably not going to be caled back to work by my former employer, on my next application for uc benefits, I responded that I would accept other full-time employment were it offered to me. This claim was also denied. As far as I know, my former employer paid what the law requires to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development fund and to the federal unemployment fund. Ohter employees in my exact situation have been granted uc benefits. Thanks for any help you might provide.
April 5th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I have accepted a position in PA due to a slow down in MD. My husband is currently working in MD, but we are relocating to PA due to lower cost of living and transportation issues. If he resigns from his job will he be eligible for unemployment benefits while searching for employment in PA?
May 6th, 2010 at 7:55 am
I have a similar situation as the one described by K Cross. My wife is a new graduate nurse and took a job in WI after she was unable to find employment in MN. She started working at a hospital in WI, January 2010. Before her employment in December 2009, my wife and I signed a six-month lease on a townhome in MN that runs through June 2010. I am currently employed in MN and am looking to resign my position in June when my lease is up to accompany my wife in WI. Commuting is not realistic as the town in which my wife resides is approximately a 5 hour commute from my current job. I know that MN has a statute that allows someone to collect unemployment if they quit to relocate with a spouse, but I’m not sure how proceed. Should I tell my employer that I intend to file for unemployment before I file with the state? What if anything should I state in my resignation letter pertaining to the circumstances with my wife and moving out of state to be with her. Thanks for considering my question.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=268.095
May 7th, 2010 at 10:47 am
An employee lied about me having misconduct and got me fired. She later confessed. Meanwhile, I didn’t file unemployment rightaway because I thought I was going to find a job with no problem. Well, it’s been 10 months and I’m still out of work. I filed for unemployment 2 months later and they denied me. They questioned and asked why I didn’t file sooner. I told them I thought I would find a job sooner. They denied me for not having a good enough excuse. What is a good enough excuse? I was being honest.
May 7th, 2010 at 10:56 am
My comment above is in the state of MD.
May 10th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
I worked for my company for 10 years, and had to move no fault of my own due to a military move (husband). My question is: my company has me as reserve and can’t promise me the same amount of hours. They have me traveling using my car to work, the travel is 4 to 6 hours of driving. Sometimes I work 4 to 7 days then could be off for 2 weeks. I’m I eligible? Worked in TX but now live in OK, what state do i file?
May 18th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Hi i have just recieved a call from corporate office of my company saying that they have evidence against me saying that i changed the time i clocked in. I myself had nothing to say back in reply because I have no recollection of doing this. If I am fired will I be able to collect unemployment. I am in school right now and will be graduating in September and have a job waiting for me after I graduate. Do you think I be able to collect unemployment until i get my new job?
May 25th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
my question is can you get your lump sum retirement and not be penalized with your unemployment benefits in Texas
May 28th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
My boyfriend was recently fired from his job. The company lied to the Unemployment division saying he quit because he was unhappy with a company policy. We’ve already sent in all the info, including paperwork saying he was terminated, that was signed by his manger. I dont understand why this has to be so complicated, and what we can do now. He worked extremely hard at his job, and is entitled to benefits. What can we do? How do we get our voices out there?
June 1st, 2010 at 9:39 am
how many weeks must you work before qualifing for unemployment benefits?
June 1st, 2010 at 9:40 am
how many weeks are required in VA to qualify for unemployment benefits?
June 2nd, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I worked for 8 months in NY and 5 months in Chicago. I went to the Chicago unemployment office and they suggested I file in NY. I filed in NY and since then have lived in 2 states. Should I file with the residing state or is it ok to continue collecting from NY State since that was where my employer was paying taxes to and worked was performed?
Please advise thanks!
June 6th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
I live in MD, and was laid off the day I came back from my maternity leave. I’ve been receiving unemployment for the last month. I cannot afford daycare so my neighbor volunteered to watch my child. She has recently returned to work so I no longer have child care, if I refuse a job because of this can I be denied my unemployment benefits?
June 6th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I live in MD, and was recently laid off the day I came back from my maternity leave, at the time I had child care (a favor from my neighbor) but I no longer have it being that she has returned back to work. I’ve been receiving unemployment for the last month. If I refuse to accept a job offer because I have no child care can I be denied unemployment benefits?
July 10th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I was terminated at no fault to myself. My former employer is contesting my unemployment claim because I’ve started a new business (a C-corporation), even though I have no income from this brand new business.
About two weeks before my termination date, they eagerly negotiated a contract with the new corporation for services that I will not be directly paid for as an individual (something that requires the unique skillset of a separate contractor which this new corporation has a relationship with).
Since a corporation is its own legal entity, does my former employer have grounds to deny unemployment benefits to me?
July 24th, 2010 at 7:56 am
Hello,
My name is Brian King. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. I have been receiving unemployment benifits from 06/01/2008 till 06/16/2010. I just recently was hired part time makeing $7.25 p/h two days a week after my benifits were exhausted early in June. I make 1/2 of the $225 I was drawing while on unemployment and can’t even afford to pay my bills. I was just asking what is the maximum hours I can work a week and still get help through unemployment benifits. iF YOU COULD PLEASE DIRECT ME TO A WEB PAGE WITH THE INFO i NEED, OR RESPOND TO THIS MESSAGE AND LET ME KNOW.
Thanks for any help you can provide,
Brian Billy King
P.S. I live in North Carolina and email is smokey_b_4207247@yahoo.com
July 31st, 2010 at 1:37 pm
My son has been on unemployment through an inter-state claim in Utah, he moved to Florida with me when I got work in Florida. He has been constantly seeking work but has not as of now. Utah doesn’t have a fourth tier because of the unemployment rate in the state, but Florida does. Can he get the fourth tier if needed from the state of Florida?
He has been out of work almost a year and doesn’t have wages for any of the last four quarters. All he has had is unemployment income. He filed for unemployment after several months of looking and in on his third and last tier from Utah.
July 31st, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Unfortunately I also have a question that involves me and not my son. I was part of a reduction in force when my company let 1000 executive position go all around the country. I was on an interstate claim in Utah as well because of work I had done there in 2008. I had twenty weeks and then since my income was coming from a Georgia company I had to file in Georgia. I got 19 weeks in Georgia and still have 6 weeks to go on the initial state claim. If needed will I get a first tier extension from Georgia? Or do I have to go back and file an inter-state claim in Utah?
Thanks for any input and direction you can give,
Confused in Florida.
August 18th, 2010 at 1:46 am
I have been working for a fire & rescue for the past 3 years. The first 1 1/2 years went good. Then a very unscruplious man got elected president. He harrassed and made up things about people. 2 of my fellow workers left the Co. I have a contract with them, children to feed and bills to pay. Tonight when I went in and he was there with papers that said I had been terminated yesterday. And there is a bunch of his made up lies about me. With an “Agreement and Mutual Releases” he wanted me to read these papers and sign them. In the papers they (HE) more or less wants me to give up my unemployment for 2 weeks pay, and if I do git unemployment he wants me to pay the Co. what I get, and In these papers he says that I have been insabordant among other things. I know that it does not work that way. My question is how do I explain to unemployment that my seperation from work is not of my doing, when this guy is saying it is. I am going to talk to a lawyer, but will I be able to collect? Please HELP!