How to Tell If Youre Qualified for Unemployment Assistance

How to Tell If You’re Qualified for Unemployment Assistance How to Tell If You’re Qualified for Unemployment Assistance 1 Many previous employees of staff positions will qualify for unemployment benefits. Despite that fact, research has shown that not everyone who is eligible to receive unemployment assistance does so. Some who would be granted benefits never apply for them, and thus miss out on helpful resources during a new job search to which they are legally entitled. Here are some initial steps you can take to determine if you’re qualified for unemployment assistance in your state: Determine your status for assistance. Not everyone who leaves a job can collect unemployment. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), only workers who become unemployed “through no fault of their own” will qualify. Though this term may seem vague, LearnVest explains that if you quit your job voluntarily, or if you are fired for “gross misconduct” rather than going through a layoff, you won’t be eligible for benefits. Understand state requirements. Workers also must meet certain eligibility requirements for time worked or wages earned- and these requirements vary by state. You can find more information about state unemployment eligibility on the DOL website. Rules are also listed state by state. Know what to do. Once you’ve determined that you qualify for assistance, there are some more important steps you must take to be able to collect unemployment assistance. You must be actively involved in a job search to stay eligible- which means if you decide to go back to school full-time, you won’t remain eligible, according to LearnVest. A few states, however, including Washington and Oregon, have allowances if you’re seeking training in a “high-demand” field. In these states, you can receive additional weeks of benefits without actively job hunting if you are enrolled and making “satisfactory progress” in your training program. Seek part-time work. Rachel Sanborn, a certified financial planner at LearnVest Planning Services, suggests taking a part-time job if you’ve just become unemployed. When you make enough income in a given week through a part-time or freelance job, this allows you to have additional time added to your unemployment period when you can collect benefits. Be aware that some states will prorate your unemployment, while other states won’t reduce benefits until you’ve earned a certain amount from part-time work to supplement your unemployment income. In short, it pays to look into your eligibility to potentially receive unemployment benefits when you leave a job with an employer. No matter what your next steps might be on your career path, unemployment benefits can help tide you over until you land your next position- or in the case of those making the switch from working for an employer to doing contract work, until you begin earning freelance income from clients. Readers, are you looking for part-time work to supplement your unemployment assistance? Share your job search goals with us below!