How to Receive Unemployment

If your hours have been cut to part time, or if you have already lost your job, you may qualify for unemployment benefits in your state. The specific amount of money that you need to have made in the past 18 months before unemployment varies by state, but each state has the same basic qualifications for getting unemployment compensation. The amount of weekly compensation you will receive also varies by state.

Instructions

1

Lose your job or have your hours reduced to part-time. If you have either of these things happen and it is not your fault, you can qualify for unemployment. An example is getting laid off or having your hours cut due to lack of work. Quitting your job does not count.

2

File for unemployment through your state's unemployment office. Usually you can do so over the phone or online. The Employee Issues website (see Resources) has a list of state unemployment websites. To submit your application, you must give your full work history for the past 18 months, your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and driver's license number.

3

Wait to get your award letter from the state unemployment office. This usually takes seven to 10 business days to arrive by mail. It will let you know if you are awarded any unemployment benefits. If so, the weekly benefit amount will be listed, and you will get your first claim form in the mail a few days later.

4

Hunt for a job while you are unemployed and submit your claim forms each week to the state unemployment office. You are required to be actively looking for a job in order to continue receiving unemployment benefits. The claim forms ask about your job search activities.