No matter how long you've been working, at some point in time you may find yourself unemployed, either temporarily or permanently. Even if you're not sure how long you'll be laid off, you should call your state unemployment office the first day that you are off work. Delaying may mean not only a delay in benefits, but may cause a timeliness issue on a claim and backdating may be refused.

WHAT YOU NEED:
Though criteria differ from state to state, you at least need the name, mailing address and phone number, first and last dates worked, date of recall (if any), and gross year-to-date pay with your most recent Employer. If you've been there less than a year, be prepared to supply the same information for the next most recent Employer also. If you spent a short time with several Employers, have the information for them as well. You will need a driver's license or state ID number if you're a non-driver. If you're not a citizen of the U.S, you'll also need your Alien Registration card. If you were in the military or worked for the federal government in the last two years, have your wage and separation papers handy.

WHAT HAPPENED:
If you quit or were discharged, you're not automatically ineligible for benefits. More information will be gathered and the answers you provide will help in the determination process, so be as complete and truthful as you can. Keep any paperwork the Employer gave you regarding your separation, and keep notes on the situation in case you need to relate them at a later date.

NEW CLAIMS:
Although you can file on the Internet in most states, if this is your first unemployment claim, I strongly recommend that you call your state Unemployment Compensation Service Center, or UCSC, to open the claim. They will give you all the information you'll need to file your claims in a timely manner, they will be able to answer any questions you may have, and they will be able to determine financial eligibility or if there are wages are missing from your base year. In most cases, they can also give you the rate on the claim and how long you have to collect.

WHERE TO CALL:
The phone number for your local UCSC is found in the blue pages of the phone book under State Government. If you want to file online, use the URL "www.state.(state abbreviation).us" and in the search field provided, type in "unemployment" and you will have the information you need to get started.

It is hopeful that your unemployment will not last long, and if you return to work, you should call the USCS to notify them of the return date also.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U nemployment

Learn more about this author, Liane Laskoske.
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