Required Documents

1. The names and addresses of every company you worked at for the last 18 months

2. The dates when your employment began and ended

3. Written information you got as to why you are no longer employed

Find the Claims Office

Go to the appropriate office. These centers are called Unemployment Insurance Claims Office or One Stop Employment Centers. The easiest way to find them is to look it up online. You can also find this information in any phone book.

Make Inquiries

Before claiming unemployment benefits, call or email them. Ask if there are any additional documents you need to bring besides the ones mentioned earlier. If there is something you don’t understand, ask it now. By knowing beforehand what you have to bring, you’ll save yourself trips back and forth to the office.

Fill the Forms with the Correct Information

You will do this online or in person. Whichever method you choose, keep these things in mind. First, have the pertinent documents by your side. Second, answer all the questions truthfully. Do not embellish or leave anything out. If you’re claiming in person, be polite.

Be Patient

After filling out all the forms for claiming unemployment benefits, ask how long the waiting period is. This will vary from state to state. Make follow up calls if you haven’t gotten your benefits after the waiting period has elapsed.

Again, patience is needed here. Listen to the explanation as to why your benefits are being delayed and how the situation is being remedied.

Keep Records

Make sure you have a record of all the unemployment benefits you receive. You should also inform the agency if you get a new job. Not reporting will make you liable for fines or even a prison sentence.

Duration and Types of Unemployment Benefits

Although the process for claiming unemployment benefits is similar across states, the actual benefits vary. It will depend on the state’s unemployment figures and policies.

For instance, you can get up to 79 weeks of unemployment benefits in New York State. This consists of 26 weeks of state / regular unemployment benefits, 33 weeks of emergency unemployment compensation and extended unemployment for a maximum of 20 weeks. The duration in other states may differ.

Disaster Unemployment and TRA Benefits

The disaster unemployment insurance is for those who lose their jobs due to a natural calamity or disaster. 26 week unemployment benefits will be available. This is provided the US President has declared it a disaster area.

TRA are Trade Readjustment Allowances. These payments are available for those who have their work hours reduced or lose work due to foreign import competition. The TRA are subject to certain conditions, again depending on state laws and regulations.

A lot of the problems involved in claiming unemployment benefits stem from not having the right documents. By having the pertinent records with you, problems can be avoided.