How to Apply for Unemployment

Federal and state governments offer many programs to help people who have lost their job, been laid off, or have lost wages due to extenuating circumstances. The application process is not always simple or easy–our guide lays out the clearest and simplest path available. 

The first thing to know is that the federal government does not manage unemployment cases. Those are managed at the state level, so anyone seeking unemployment benefits and assistance need to start with their state’s unemployment program. For example, California’s department is called the EDD, but Maine’s is called the Department of Labor. 

Find your state’s labor or employment assistance program here: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus/unemployment-insurance#find-state-unemployment-insurance-contacts

Find Your Program, then Apply

Once you find your state’s labor insurance organization, follow its steps. Most, if not all, states use their labor department’s website to file unemployment claims and provide relevant information. 

Potential applicants first need to see if they are eligible for unemployment insurance. Generally, applicants need to fall under the following: 

• Totally or partially unemployed.
• Unemployed through no fault of your own.
• Physically able to work.
• Available for work.
• Ready and willing to accept work immediately.

Once an individual files their unemployment claim, their state’s labor department requires verification of the above requirements. This can involve phone interviews and documentation. The employment agency may also interview the applicant’s former employer to verify information, such as the reason for being unemployed. 

If applicants were fired fairly, according to their state’s labor laws, then unemployment benefits may not apply to them. If any of the above requirements are not met, applicant’s are likely to not receive benefits.

However, if individuals are unemployed for different circumstances (i.e., disability, illness, disaster), their state may provide disability insurance or other types of benefits. 

Be Ready to Apply

Applicants will need the following to get their unemployment benefits: 

• Work History for past 24 months (at least) 
• Social Security Number
• Address 
• Banking Information

Your state may want more information from you. Have all paperwork ready and organized, otherwise the application process will not be as smooth. 

How Do I Keep My Unemployment Insurance?

Once applicants are approved for their unemployment payments, they will have to follow the state’s guidelines to maintain their payments. Individuals may have to prepare and share their resume with their state, complete work surveys, participate in work programs, and more to maintain eligibility. 

These requirements, again, differ state-by-state, so be sure to verify what is necessary to maintain your benefits. Above all, state unemployment agencies want their beneficiaries to get back to work and provide resources for doing so. 

It is essential for unemployed workers to fulfill state requirements weekly or bi-weekly. Certifying your claim as the state needs is the only wait to maintain benefit payments. Without recertification, claims will expire, meaning you will have to reapply for benefits. 

Furthermore, unemployment benefits have a time limit, with some states providing payments up to 28 weeks, but this number fluctuates with employment rates. 

How Much Do Unemployment Benefits Pay?

Unemployment payments vary state by state, but all are distributed weekly. Each applicant is considered individually before they receive their benefits. To see benefits by state, see this chart from Saving to Invest. 

Weekly unemployment payments are higher for states that are more expensive to live in. The number of dependents in the household are a key factor in determining the weekly payment amount.

Unemployment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Under the CARES Act, states have additional unemployment funding and different unemployment requirements due to circumstances. The CARES Act extends the payment period in all states and makes some stipulations, such as receiving benefits while part-time employed, no longer a consideration. 

For more help with COVID-19 unemployment claims, visit: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus

Unemployment FAQs

1. Does unemployment insurance apply to self-employers and freelancers?
   1. In many cases, yes. Please see your state’s labor department for more information. 
2. I had to quit or work less because I needed to care for a child. Can I apply for unemployment?
   1. In some cases, yes. There might be other benefit programs available, such as SNAP (Formerly the Food Stamps program), or Childcare-related programs.
3.  Can I file a claim if I’ve moved?
   1. Only file for unemployment in ONE state at a time. If you apply in both states, you are committing fraud. Apply in the state where employment was terminated or lost.
4. My claims aren’t being processed. What do I do?
   1. Keep calling and emailing your state’s labor department. Speak with a manager, if possible. If you need online assistance, seek help from a local library or your city’s government. Do not give up on filing your claim, as many labor departments are overwhelmed. 
5. I need food purchasing assistance help.
   1. Apply for the SNAP program. See our guide here: 
6. Where’s the best information on Unemployment Benefits?
   1. https://www.dol.gov/