Unemployment Benefits in America

Job security is a huge problem in the United States right now. Because of the slumping economy, thousands of people are losing their jobs every month and the unemployment rate in the country is at its highest in five years. Many people are feeling helpless and hopeless as they search for a way to maintain their livelihoods without the safety and security provided by a job. Because of the recession currently inflicting America and the some other parts of the world, many American citizens are going through the unemployment process for the very first time. This can be a confusing process if you’ve never gone through it before, but it’s important to remember that it’s a process that was developed to help you get back on your feet. Continue reading to learn about the simple steps you need to take to successfully collect unemployment checks for the very first time.

How unemployment is affecting America today

Video: Unemployment claims are increasing

Watch this clip to see how unemployment rates have risen dramatically in the United States over the course of this year.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

The purpose of unemployment checks is to provide assistance to those who have recently lost their jobs for one reason or another. However, qualifying for unemployment does not simply mean that you’re someone who is not currently employed. Rather, there are some guidelines to determine who is eligible for unemployment and who is not. For starters, you must be someone who lost your previous job through no personal fault. This includes being laid off from your job for any reason or for losing your job due to downsizing. Unfortunately, this includes many of those people affected by the weakening economy in this country. Fortunately, it means that all of these people are covered by the current restrictions placed on unemployment in this country. That said, anyone who was fired from a job for a justifiable cause or anyone quit their job on their own does not qualify. It’s important to remember this before applying for unemployment. It’s a system designed to help those who need it, not supply those who choose not work. There are also several other factors, like the amount of time that you’ve worked at a job, that help determine whether you qualify. But these factors vary by state. See the list of phone numbers below and find the proper contact in your state.

How do I file for unemployment in my state?

Filing for unemployment is slightly different in each state, but here’s the key to making sure the process goes smoothly: Get on it right away! Too often, people wait to apply for unemployment and lose out on benefits that can make a difference right away. In most states, it takes at least two to four weeks to process claims for unemployment. In the mean time, you’ll be stuck without a job and without any sort of income in your life. So it’s important to apply as soon as possible after you lose your job. Obviously, you may have plenty of other worries, but take the time to seek help for your unemployment before you do anything else. Filing is easy, too. Visit America’s Service Locator (Link: http://servicelocator.org) to find an agency near you to help start the unemployment application process.

Why you’re not going to be alone in the unemployment line

Video: Economic News

Can I apply online?

As technology has done for so many things, the unemployment process is so much easier these days as the result of convenient online applications. Gone are the days when you have to stand on line at the unemployment agency to apply or collect your check. It also cuts down on the embarrassment that some feel when visiting the unemployment agency. However, not all states currently offer the ability to apply for unemployment online. Check out this guide to see whether or not your state currently offers this option.

How much can I get? For how long?

Of course, the first question most people have with respect to unemployment is this: Exactly how much money will I receive from my unemployment checks? And the second is: How long can I receive them. Well, here’s the thing. First, you’re not going to receive as much money as you’re used to. However, you are eligible, in most states, to receive up to 50% of your weekly salary through unemployment. This is typically the maximum, though, so you shouldn’t be surprised if and when you receive significantly less. Unemployment cases are dealt with case-by-case so you may receive more or less money through unemployment depending on your specific situation. Additionally, unemployment is usually available for up to 26 weeks, though during tough economic times, most states will allow you to apply for an extension after your 26 weeks are up. Check with your specific state office to determine how much and how long you can receive unemployment.

Unemployed office contact phone numbers by state

Because the unemployment process can be confusing, get started now by calling your state unemployment office and getting the facts. Below, a list of the direct contact phone numbers for all 50 states. And click here to learn about the different types of unemployment benefits available as well.

United States Department of Labor: (877) 889-5627
Alabama: (866) 234-5382
Alaska: (907) 465-5552
Arizona: (602) 542-4910
Arkansas: (501) 907-2590
California: (800) 300-5616
Colorado: (303) 318-9000
Connecticut: Click here to find the correct number for your CT residence.
Delaware: (302) 761-6576 for New Castle residents or (800) 794-3032 for Kent & Sussex County residents
Florida: (800) 204-2418
Georgia: (404) 232-3990
Hawaii: (877) 215-5793
Idaho: (208) 332-3570
Illinois: (888) 367-4382
Indiana: (800) 891-6499
Iowa: (515) 281-5387
Kansas: (913) 596-3500 in the Kansas City area, (785) 575-1460 in the Topeka area and (316) 383-9947 in the Wichita area
Kentucky: (800) 648-6057
Louisiana: (866) 783-5567
Maine: (800) 593-7660
Maryland: (410) 949-0022 in the Baltimore area or (800) 827-4839 elsewhere in the state
Massachusetts: (617) 626-6800
Michigan: (866) 500-0017
Minnesota: (651) 296-3644 in the Twin Cities area or (877) 898-9090 in Greater Minnesota
Mississippi: (601) 321-6000
Missouri: (573) 751-3215
Montana: (406) 444-2545
Nebraska: (877) 725-9918
Nevada: (775) 684-0350 in Northern Nevada, (702) 486-0350 in Southern Nevada and (888) 890-8211 in Rural Nevada
New Hampshire: (603) 224-3311
New Jersey: (732) 761-2020 for the Freehold Reemployment Call Center, (201) 601-4100 for the Union City Reemployment Call Center and (856) 507-2340 for the Cumberland Reemployment Call Center
New Mexico: (505) 841-4000
New York: (888) 209-8124
North Carolina: (919) 707-1290
North Dakota: (701) 328-4995
Ohio: (877) 852-0010 or (614) 466-2100
Oklahoma: (405) 557-7100
Oregon: (800) 982-8920
Pennsylvania: (888) 313-7284
Rhode Island: 9401) 243-9100
South Carolina: (866) 831-1724
South Dakota: (605) 773-3101
Tennessee: (877 813-0950
Texas: (800) 939-6631
Utah: (888) 848-0688
Vermont: (802) 828-3657
Virginia: (804) 786-1485
Washington: (800) 318-6022
West Virginia: (304) 558-2624
Wisconsin: (608) 266-3100
Wyoming: (307) 235-3277