Do you know How to File Unemployment the correct way?
The wrong way will result in denial of claims, delay in award, or less than full award amount.
The correct way to file unemployment can help you transition between careers with up to ,000 in benefits, typically at up to ,200 per month and in select cases, up to ,000.
Unemployment is not intended to be a replacement for your income. Unemployment benefits are intended to help you during your time out of work. That said, the time between starting a new job, and getting paid can be up to four weeks putting a serious strain on any budget.
Considering these 7 major factors will help you a great deal when you file unemployment.
1. Do you meet the criteria for unemployment? Unemployment is a state, not a federal, benefit, and as a result, eligibility is widely varied depending on the state. There’s more to merely being unemployed or being laid off. In many cases, being under-employed can qualify you for benefits, or various circumstances that allow for being fired or quitting can still allow you to successfully file unemployment. Next, will you still be eligible? You can become disqualified even before you file for unemployment, as well as during the filing process, and the continued benefits time period.
2. Amount. We can assist you to determine the amount you can receive in unemployment benefits. Sometimes people are awarded as little as 0 per month, but are required to file more paperwork to recieve even that award, which makes it often not worth your time.
3. When to file unemployment claim. Generally, you should file immediately upon your dismissal. However, as cases may vary based on your state of residence, and the reasoning behind your job loss, the decision to file unmeployment as soon as possible is not always the right move. In one particular case we assisted with, a young lady had her claim delayed by over 5 weeks because she filed one week too early. If you are involved in a workman’s compensation case, you should complete that before you file unemployment.
4. Directions on how to File Unemployment. All but six states allow people to file unemployment claims using the Internet. Typically this involves filing a claim with the state with supporting evidence. Deleting or adding information is not an option once the application is made. When you file your claim, make sure you provide accurate information.
5. Documentation and arguments supporting your claim. Depending on your personal situation, we can recommend several arguments for you to use when filing your appication. These need to be factual. That said, you may want to present facts in a specific way depending on the state laws and how your ex-employer states their side of the case. Generally speaking, if you quit your job you need to have one of a few specific reasons present for you to be eligible to claim unemployment. These might include workplace safety issues including sexual or gender harassment, issues at home such as to prevent domestic abuse of a minor child or dependent elderly parent, or transportation issues such as car failure when no suitable alternative exists such as a bus.
6. Last, appealing the state’s decision is well within your rights. There’s a phrase that applies in some cases: “You can wrestle with a pig in the mud, and the pig enjoys it and you just get filthy”. Sure, state employees don’t like dealing with appeals and it can be a waste of time, however in other cases it can end up reversing the denial decison and result in full award of benefits.
Finally, here are several common mistakes you should avoid when you file unemployment. The tips above are from our 9-step re-employment system, which was designed to save you time, and money, and to get you the maximum benefits available when you file unemployment. Here are 3 common mistakes (naturally, our guide has many more you can avoid):
1. Monday filing. Monday morning is probably the worst day to file unemployment, as this tends to be the busiest day. Instead, use Mondays as time to seek out referrals. Although using the Internet is often more convenient, in some states, you cannot use the previous week to support your claim if the claim is filed over the Internet.
2. Not utilyzing one’s social network. Relationships play an integral role in finding employment, as over 40% of hires are made due to a relationship. Job boards, and classified ads are fine, but they’re far less effective than turning to the people who know and respect you.
3. Volunteering too much information can potentially result in disqualification. The general rule of thumb is, provide as little information as possible. Anyone wanting to file unemployment should be aware that because the system is stretched thin, even minor mistakes on your application can result in your claim being denied.
It’s tough losing your job. In not only affects your pocketbook, it affects your emotions, and even your self-confidence. Have you ever noticed that sometimes the highest-paid exectutives manage to “fall up”, get million-dollar severance packages, and no matter what seem just fine? This guide is to help you file unemployment and can help you make the best of this situation. You can benefit from a change in employment if you handle the situation correctly. If done wrong, it can set your career and finances back for years.
