Are State Employees Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?

Unemployment benefits are administered by states and are therefore governed by state laws. As a general rule, however, everyone who fulfills the basic requirements for qualification can receive unemployment benefits. While a special program for former federal employees exist, no special arrangements are made for state employees. Therefore, qualification requirements for state employees are the same as the general population.

State Laws

Unemployment insurance is administered by state employment agencies. These agencies collect insurance premiums from employers and manage these funds to prepare for periods of high unemployment where payouts to unemployed workers tend to exceed premium collections. The rules and regulations that govern unemployment benefits are also determined by state lawmakers. In addition, state employment agencies check compliance by calling beneficiaries on a periodical basis to ensure that they are continuing to look for a job, collecting resumes in large databanks and organizing functions such as seminars, some of which may be mandatory to attend.

Former State Workers

Former federal employees are covered by a program entitled "The Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees" program. For state employees, however, no such arrangements exist. Therefore, laid off state employees are subject to the same general rules and requirements with regards to unemployment benefits, as other workers.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own. If you have been fired for misconduct, you are ineligible for benefits. You can, however, challenge the employer's claim that you have been fired due to misconduct if you believe that you have been unfairly terminated.

Furthermore, you must have earned above a threshold, which varies from state to state during your employment. The period during which you must have earned this minimum income is referred to as "base period". Usually, the base period is the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before your claim is filed.

Continued Eligibility

Once you qualify for benefits, you must meet certain requirements to continue to receive them. Continuing to look for a job and, if you find part-time employment, staying below the critical weekly income threshold are some of the requirements. You must document any job search efforts, as you may be asked to furnish proof.

Some states also require that you attend seminars or and place a copy of your resume in state run job data banks. Once you receive a job offer, you may be required take the offer, provided that its nature and compensation is commensurate with your experiences, or lose benefits.