Lay-offs and job losses happen to the best of us. If you find
yourself applying for unemployment benefits, you'll want to be aware of
common mistakes that people make when applying to get the most of your
benefits.
Keep in mind that if you quit your job or you were terminated with just cause, you may not be eligible for unemployment insurance. If you were terminated through no fault of your own and you have the necessary hours of employment, you may qualify. Let's have a look at what you need to apply, mistakes to avoid and steps to take when denied or refused benefits:
You will need to register with the American Job Center to file your claims. If a re-employment program is recommended, you will need to participate.
If you are pregnant or a new mother, you still qualify for unemployment benefits as long as all other requirements are met.
You must complete the mandatory job searches, which typically require at least three employer contacts on two different days in a week. Keep a record of all your employer contracts as you may be randomly selected for an audit. If you can't provide this information, you may be denied benefits, have your benefits reduced for that week, or even be required to pay some benefits back.
If you refuse an offer of employment from your former employer, refuse a job that meets your past work, or do not follow through on job referrals, you may have your benefits terminated.
The information to be gathered if applicable should demonstrate how a wrongful dismissal was applied. Be sure to understand the meaning behind the terms on your state's website.
Employment schedules, performance evaluations, necessary corrective actions and feedback from colleagues and managers should be part of your documentation. Also, prove your eligibility with check stubs, W-2s and employer letters.
Your appeal can be filed by fax, online, mail or in person at your local office. Be sure to continue filing your weekly claims during your appeal process.
When presenting your case, bring all necessary documentation and an attorney if you so desire. You will a receive a written notice of the result of your appeal by a referee. If you are turned down from receiving benefits, you can appeal this decision again to the Board of Review within 21 days.
With the above information about your unemployment rights and responsibilities, you're on your way towards collecting the proper benefits you deserve. For more information and necessary forms, contact your local unemployment office.
Keep in mind that if you quit your job or you were terminated with just cause, you may not be eligible for unemployment insurance. If you were terminated through no fault of your own and you have the necessary hours of employment, you may qualify. Let's have a look at what you need to apply, mistakes to avoid and steps to take when denied or refused benefits:
Requirements to Qualify
Every state has their own requirements, so you'll want to check with yours to determine the requirements specific to your state. Generally speaking, you must have earned the eligible wages prior to being terminated, and the cause for termination must be no fault of your own. Additionally, the employer must meet the Unemployment Insurance Laws for that state, and you must be mentally and physically able to look for work each week and be available to work.You will need to register with the American Job Center to file your claims. If a re-employment program is recommended, you will need to participate.
If you are pregnant or a new mother, you still qualify for unemployment benefits as long as all other requirements are met.
Mistakes to Avoid
Not applying immediately after termination can cause your benefits to be delayed and you may possibly lose some weeks' coverage.You must complete the mandatory job searches, which typically require at least three employer contacts on two different days in a week. Keep a record of all your employer contracts as you may be randomly selected for an audit. If you can't provide this information, you may be denied benefits, have your benefits reduced for that week, or even be required to pay some benefits back.
If you refuse an offer of employment from your former employer, refuse a job that meets your past work, or do not follow through on job referrals, you may have your benefits terminated.
Reporting Income
To properly apply for unemployment benefits, the following income must be reported:- Part-time wages, including tips
- Self-employment earnings
- Commissions
- Vacation pay
- Severance pay
- Bonus
- Worker's compensation
- Disability payments
- Pension payments
Benefits Terminated
If, for some reason, your benefits were terminated or denied, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue. It's important to draft your appeal within 21 days with the necessary information to corroborate your appeal.The information to be gathered if applicable should demonstrate how a wrongful dismissal was applied. Be sure to understand the meaning behind the terms on your state's website.
Employment schedules, performance evaluations, necessary corrective actions and feedback from colleagues and managers should be part of your documentation. Also, prove your eligibility with check stubs, W-2s and employer letters.
Your appeal can be filed by fax, online, mail or in person at your local office. Be sure to continue filing your weekly claims during your appeal process.
When presenting your case, bring all necessary documentation and an attorney if you so desire. You will a receive a written notice of the result of your appeal by a referee. If you are turned down from receiving benefits, you can appeal this decision again to the Board of Review within 21 days.
With the above information about your unemployment rights and responsibilities, you're on your way towards collecting the proper benefits you deserve. For more information and necessary forms, contact your local unemployment office.