Tips for Filing Unemployment Claims

5 Min Read | Last updated: December 15, 2023

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If you’re suddenly out of a job, unemployment claims can help you get by. Here’s what you need to know to start claiming unemployment benefits.

At-A-Glance

If you’re out of work, unemployment benefits can temporarily help you pay for basic expenses while you are looking for a new job.
Filing an unemployment claim can be tricky since each state has its own eligibility requirements and guidelines – follow them closely to help streamline the process.
Don’t forget that you may have to routinely prove that you’re actively seeking a new job in order to continue receiving benefits.

Losing a job can be a blow to your self-esteem, not to mention your income. But layoffs are more common than you might think, and mass job cuts can grab the attention of headlines even when the economy is booming. The good news is that losing your job – or even experiencing a major cut in your hours – doesn’t have to leave you high and dry. As long as it’s through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to claim weekly unemployment benefits that can help you cover basic expenses while looking for a new – and potentially better – job.

But filing an unemployment claim can be a bit tricky if you’re not careful, especially since each state has its own specific guidelines. Here are some key things you need to know:

What Is Unemployment Insurance?

Unemployment insurance is a government-run program that provides temporary cash assistance to eligible workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, like if a hurricane damaged an office building and put employees out of work, or a company facing economic hardship had to lay off half of their workers to cut costs.

In other words, the federal and state governments aim to help financially protect their citizens during times of unemployment. Your weekly unemployment claim can help you cover some, if not all, of your basic expenses during the time it takes to find a new job – or while you hone the skills you need to start the next chapter of your life.

Unemployment Benefit Eligibility Requirements

General eligibility guidelines are set by the federal government, but each state administers its own unemployment insurance program with different requirements and benefits. To qualify for federal unemployment, you must:¹

Be unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means that you must have separated from your job due to a lack of available work.
Meet work requirements. Again, this tends to vary between states, but usually you must have held your job for at least one year. Many states also have wage requirements, meaning you must earn a minimum amount within a certain period of time, usually a year.
Meet additional state requirements.

It’s worth noting that self-employed workers and freelancers are typically not eligible for unemployment benefits. However, special circumstances like periods of high unemployment rates can prompt the federal government and state governments to make changes to unemployment benefits laws.

To be sure whether you qualify, it’s best to check your state’s unemployment insurance requirements. The U.S. Department of Labor provides a list of contact information and links to each state’s unemployment insurance program.

How to File an Unemployment Claim

Again, exactly how to file for unemployment can differ depending on the state. But here’s a basic rundown:

Find the details of your state’s unemployment insurance program. If you live in a different state from where you worked, you typically should file your claim with the state you worked in, but it’s probably a good idea to check with each state’s unemployment program just to be sure.²
File your claim. Usually, you can file online through your state’s unemployment program website, but you might also be able to file by phone or in person. You’ll likely be asked for certain personal information like your name, address, Social Security number, former employer information, and dates employed. Be sure to double check – errors can delay the process.
Wait for your first benefit check. Typically, it takes about two to three weeks to get your first benefit check or direct deposit.
Keep up with any other requirements. Once your claim is approved you may need to then file weekly or biweekly reports that test or confirm your employment status. These reports must be submitted in order to remain eligible for benefit payments.³

Frequently Asked Questions

After you file your first claim, it generally takes two to three weeks to receive your first unemployment check or direct deposit.⁴

Yes, unemployment benefits are considered taxable income, and they must be reported on your federal tax return and state tax return if you live in a state that imposes income tax.

Unemployment benefits are funded by unemployment insurance taxes employers pay to the federal and state governments. Eligible recipients receive their unemployment benefits from their state’s government.

In most cases, the answer is no because unemployment benefits are reserved for individuals out of work due to no fault of their own. However, if you feel you were wrongfully terminated you may still be eligible for unemployment. In that case, you should contact your state’s labor office for more information about wrongful termination laws.⁵ And, if you feel you have a case,you can seek legal counsel.

The Takeaway

Losing your job can be stressful, but unemployment benefits can be helpful in paying for basic expenses while you search for a new job.

¹ “How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?,” U.S. Department of Labor

² “FAQS abut unemployment,” CareerOneStop

³ “Unemployment Insurance (UI): How It Works, Requirements, and Funding,” Investopedia

⁴ “How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?,” U.S. Department of Labor

⁵ “Unemployment Help,” USA.gov

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Karen Lynch is a business technology writer and researcher whose work focuses on financial services and cross-cultural diversity and inclusion.

All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.

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