Unemployment

Unemployment benefits are intended to provide workers who have lost their jobs with monetary compensation for a limited period of time, or until new employment is found.

Unemployment benefits are provided by state unemployment insurance programs and operate within federal guidelines. Eligibility, compensation amount, and duration of benefits are all determined by state law.

You should file for unemployment as soon as possible after losing your job. It usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks to process an unemployment claim, and the sooner you file the sooner you will be compensated.

In most states unemployed workers can file a claim online or over the phone, without ever having to visit their local unemployment office.

Here's a list of things you'll need to file an unemployment claim:

• Social security number
• Drivers license or ID card number
• Mailing address
• Mother's maiden name
• Contact information for your most recent employer
• Employer's federal ID number
• Dates of employment, beginning to end
• Amount earned

Here's a link to the United States Dep't of Labor. You can simply click on your state for more in depth information about filing an unemployment claim in your area.

Losing a job is always difficult, however such a hardship may open the door to a new career opportunity for you in the near future. If you have just lost your job and are looking to begin a new, more fulfilling career, see our list of schools in your area that can provide you with the skills and training necessary to reach your full professional potential.