An individual should contact the state’s
Unemployment
Insurance agency within a few days of becoming
unemployed. At the time of
filing the claim,
the individual will be asked certain questions relating
to former employment, including names and addresses.
The individual should take the necessary documents
along with him/her to the agency—social security
card, recent pay slips (to verify previous employment),
and anything related to the reason for unemployment
( e.g., notice from the employer). The individual
is saved from unnecessary hassles if the information
provided on his/her behalf is complete and accurate.
After the claim for unemployment insurance
is filed, it takes two to three weeks to receive the
first benefit check. In some states, there is a one-week
waiting period; therefore, the second week claimed
is the first week of payment.
The unemployed person must file weekly or biweekly
claims and should answer questions regarding continued
eligibility. He/she must report any kind of earnings
from work during the UI-aided week, and any job offers
or refusals of jobs. The claims are generally filed
by mail or telephone, with filing instructions provided.
(You can file
a claim for unemployment insurance with
the help of the Form available on this site.)
If the UI claims office or the One Stop Employment
Service office asks the individual to report in person,
he/she should be present on the specified day and
at the agreed-upon time. Benefits may be denied for
failing to appear for the scheduled interview.
