Apply for Unemployment

Did you know most unemployment claims are declined because applicants simply don't know enough about the laws, the eligibility criteria and even some of the conditions needed to be approved for unemployment?

Qualification for unemployment benefits varies between different states. Because the criteria and requirements are so different, it's important to be sure you file your application correctly of you risk having your application denied.

Don't believe that unemployment is free money from the government, nor is it a form of welfare. If you were employed, then your employer was paying money into a dedicated unemployment account to cover you against just such an event.

In order to be eligible for unemployment the general rule is that you must have become unemployed through no fault of your own. Even though this is the main rule of thumb, it is possible to still prove your eligibility if you were fired or if you quit, but these circumstances are quite specific.

Some states allow you to file unemployment on the internet or over the phone. If you're not sure how to file, try calling the US Department of Labor.

Before you file your application for unemployment, you'll need to be able to access accurate information about your start and finish dates for any employment you've had in the previous two years, along with precise name, address and phone number for any previous employers. You will also need to declare any income you earned.

Other pieces of information that may be required are items such as your Social Security number, your Federal Employer number and, of course, your own contact information.

Don't mistake unemployment for disability. If you have medical certification that you are unable to work then consider social security rather than unemployment.

If you do lose your job, it's important that you take the time to file your unemployment application correctly. Simple mistakes during the application process could not only hold up your application but could even see your application denied.

If you're unsure about how to apply for unemployment, consider discussing your options with a specialist who know the intricacies of precisely what you're entitled to and how you can avoid making mistakes when filing.

One this is certain - suddenly becoming unemployed shouldn't be viewed as a negative time in your life. Choose to see it as a new opportunity. Dust off that resume and apply for unemployment to help out financially while you get busy searching for that great new career.