by Lillyswawa

Created on: July 24, 2010   Last Updated: November 07, 2010

You have received your pink slip or, you have simply been told: "Sorry, we can't use you any longer."

Any way it occurs, you are faced with the daunting task (especially so, if it is your first time out of the gate) of making application for unemployment benefits.

Don't feel too badly. You have paid into this fund and you deserve to draw your benefits, as long as you are able and willing to look for work and, you can honestly say that you have not turned down any (reasonable) offer of work. It is rather easy to follow the steps to make actual application once you locate your state's employment site.

You will need your social security number and all vital information pertaining to your employer: physical address, phone number, supervisor's name, your start and finish dates, and your wage or salary, and the REASON for separation.

You will need to keep a record of your work search. At least two employers per week are required for continuance of payment.

There are currently four tiers (I,II,III, IV) available for Emergency Unemployment Benefits (EUB) for additional weeks, if you are out of work for longer than your allotted 26 weeks. This being an act of Congress due to the extent of the recession. ( These "additional benefits" may soon be ending unless Congress intervenes.)

You MUST have:

1.) Met the financial requirement ( earned at least $3400 in at least one of the quarters) and worked at least two quarters (or six months) for the same employer.

Your credits will be 25% of the total amount earned while working for this employer. Your weekly check amount will be calculated based upon these credits - typically, by dividing your credits by 26 weeks.

*SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT KNOW: The BASE PERIOD will run from fifteen months (or FIVE quarters) back to the present date of application. In other words, you will be turned down unless your two quarters falls within the FIRST FOUR quarters of this five quarter base period.

Many people give up when declared "ineligible" due to not meeting base period requirements. But, if you seek employment for three months, keep proper records of your search, and are still unable to locate a job, you can reapply and your employment of two quarters (or six months) will then fall within your base period and you will then be able to collect on your new claim! You see, a full quarter year has now passed and YOU NOW QUALIFY! 

2.) Been separated through no fault of your own.

*HOWEVER:  If you have been "separated" or "fired" for reasons you feel are unfair, you may still apply. When you are turned down (and you will be), you may file an APPEAL. (See your state's unemployment home page on your site for complete information.)

After filing, you will receive a date to appear before a panel  or, your hearing may possibly be by phone. You will be given an opportunity to present your case. You may represent yourself or, hire a representative to argue the case for you. It is just like a courtroom with rules and protocol. You will want to read all about it first on the website in your state. Many times the employer's decision to deny is reversed by the representative for the state and they find for the plaintiff, - YOU!

In either case, once approved, you simply call or go on-line every two weeks as instructed to "claim weeks" that you have not worked. You won't be paid for the first week, which is called your "waiting week" and, you could possibly wait at least 3-4 weeks to receive your first check. You will have a phone number to call with any questions or concerns. And, surprisingly, someone will be on the other end to help you out!

Note: My state of residence is Florida. Rules may vary in other states.

Learn more about this author, Lillyswawa.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.