Unemployment benefits are a key part of life for many people, but how do they work?
The U.S Department of Labor offer unemployment insurance for former workers to claim benefits when they fall out for work, for one reason or another.
Whether you qualify for the benefits depends on a number of factors, with each state having different rules, but you will usually qualify if, through no fault of your own, you end up unemployed.
For example, this is the case if you lose your job due to lack of available work. You must also meet your state’s requirements for wages earned during an established period of time, usually referred to as a “base period”.
You can apply for benefits by contacting your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after you are made unemployed. You should file your claim in the state where you worked, and the authorities will inform you of the process.
What disqualifies you for unemployment benefits?
In most cases, you must be ready and willing to work to claim unemployment benefits, and you must be actively looking for work.
As for what can disqualify you, reasons include being fired for misconduct or quitting without good cause. Though, it is possible for workers to quit and still be eligible for benefits, and that’s because the definition of “good cause” varies from state to state.
Cases where you can quit your job and remain eligible usually include constructive discharge, medical reasons, another job (if someone leaves for another job that later falls through), domestic violence or to take care of a family member.
