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Unemployment
Filing for unemployment benefits while you’re out of work can be a challenge. There are two steps to follow– 1. Find out if you are eligible to receive unemployment, and 2. File for unemployment online in your state. The information below is general, but it is important to know that unemployment benefits are managed by the state you live in, so you will need to explore your state’s specific requirements and filing instructions. Here’s some of what you need to know:
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How Does Unemployment Work? | How Does Unemployment Pay You?
Raquel Toussaint
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Where to Find Unemployment Benefits Information and How To File in Your State Today
CareerOneStop
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Maybe, you may qualify if you are unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means you have to have separated from your last job due to a lack of available work.
This varies state-by-state, check with your local Unemployment Office for requirements.
Yes. Most states allow you to select how much tax withholding you would like to be taken out before your Benefits are paid. Federal income tax is withheld from unemployment benefits at a flat rate of 10%. State income tax rates vary state-to-state
Yes, if you are self-employed, you may well be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. New laws were passed in response to the pandemic that makes this a little easier. As with all unemployment benefits, you will need to check with your state’s individual rules and requirements. Find your state’s unemployment office here.
That really depends on your state’s requirements, but most states require you to have been working for about a year before you become eligible. During the pandemic, lots of requirements have been eased, including the time at work requirement. Check in with your state unemployment office online to be sure. Find your state’s unemployment office here.
Every state has a different title for the department that handles unemployment. You can a list of all 50 state’s offices here: Unemployment Benefits Finder
You always need to file for unemployment in the state that you last worked. If you now live in a different state from where you worked most recently, you should still contact the state in which you live to check out their requirements. Find your state’s unemployment office here.
Most states offer Unemployment payments for up to 26 weeks. Because of the pandemic, Congress passed a law to extend the term for an additional 13 weeks for most people. You will need to check with your state to see exactly how long your benefits can last. Also, keep in mind that to continue to receive unemployment, most states require you to prove that you have been actively looking for work. Find your state’s unemployment office here.
Yes. Most states allow you to select how much tax withholding you would like to be taken out before your Benefits are paid. Federal income tax is withheld from unemployment benefits at a flat rate of 10%. State income tax rates vary state-to-state