Losing your job can be an extremely stressful and uncertain time. Fortunately, unemployment benefits exist to provide a financial lifeline while you search for new employment. But what exactly happens after you take that initial step of filing for unemployment?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the typical process step-by-step so you know what to expect after submitting your unemployment claim. Understanding the timeline and requirements will help you navigate this process smoothly.
Filing the Initial Claim
You should file your unemployment claim with your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as you become unemployed or have your hours reduced This kicks off the process and establishes your benefit year
Most states allow you to file a claim online, over the phone, or by mailing in a form. Online filing through your state’s website is the quickest option. You’ll need to provide personal information like your name, Social Security number, driver’s license number, and addresses and phone numbers for your previous employers.
Expect the initial claim process to take around an hour. Your state will use the information you provide to verify your employment status and eligibility. After submitting all required details, you’ll receive a confirmation with a claim identification number to use when corresponding about your benefits.
The Waiting Period
After filing there will be a one week waiting period before unemployment payments begin. This delay allows time for your claim to be processed and ensures benefits only go to those continuing to be unemployed and meet eligibility criteria.
During this waiting period, continue certifying your unemployment status according to your state’s instructions. While you won’t receive benefits for this first week, it still counts toward satisfying the waiting period as long as you remain fully or partially unemployed.
Receiving a Determination Notice
Within 2-4 weeks of filing, you’ll receive a written determination on your eligibility for unemployment benefits. This notice will explain the amount of your weekly benefit payment, how many weeks of benefits you’ll receive, and details on any issues or disqualifications affecting your claim.
If your state couldn’t verify your earnings or work history, you may receive a request for more information. Promptly provide any requested clarification to avoid payment delays.
If approved you can begin certifying for weekly benefits after the one week waiting period. If denied you can file an appeal and submit evidence to prove your eligibility.
Certifying for Benefits Each Week
After the waiting period, you must certify with your state for each week you claim benefits. This typically involves answering questions online or over the phone about your employment status for the previous week.
You’ll be asked whether you worked, earned any wages, turned down work, or experienced circumstances affecting your ability and availability to work. Provide honest and detailed responses to avoid issues with your claim.
Certifying often requires making at least one job search contact per week as evidence you remain fully available for work. Your state will specify what qualifies as an acceptable job search effort.
Receiving Unemployment Payments
As long as you certify each week, benefits will be paid for any weeks where you remain fully or partially unemployed and eligible based on your state’s policies. How quickly you receive payments depends on how frequently your state disburses funds.
Most states issue unemployment funds weekly via direct deposit or debit card. Your first payment may take a few extra weeks to process depending on your state’s policies. If you run into any payment delays, contact your state’s unemployment office.
Reporting Earnings from Work
If you take temporary or part-time work while on unemployment, you must report all gross earnings when certifying each week. Your state will deduct a percentage of your earnings from your benefit amount for that week. However, you can still receive partial benefits as long as your income doesn’t exceed your state’s earning thresholds.
Precisely report your gross wages for each week you work, even if you haven’t received payment from the employer yet. Incorrect or late earnings reporting could be considered fraud and jeopardize your benefits.
Paying Taxes on Benefits
Unemployment benefits are considered taxable income. You can opt to have taxes withheld from payments when you first file, or make quarterly estimated payments. At the end of the year, your state will mail you Form 1099-G reporting benefits paid to include on your tax return.
Preserving Eligibility and Work Search Efforts
To keep receiving weekly benefits, you must remain able and available to accept suitable work. You can’t turn down appropriate job offers or place unreasonable restrictions on the work you will accept.
Check in with your state unemployment office before things like traveling, school attendance, dependent care, etc. affect your availability for work. Failing to meet eligibility criteria or work search requirements could result in denied payments.
Exhausting Benefits
Most states provide up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. Your total entitlement depends on your recent earnings history over a 12 to 18 month lookback period. Higher past wages equal more weeks of benefits.
If you exhaust benefits before finding work, you may qualify for extended benefits. Check with your state for options like Extended Benefits (EB) or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).
Stay on top of your claim balance so you aren’t caught off guard when payments end. If benefits expire, immediately discuss further extension options with your unemployment office.
Understanding the full progression of the unemployment process reduces stress and helps you plan. Fortunately, your state unemployment program is available to provide assistance at every step. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any claim questions! Proper planning and diligent follow-through will see you through this challenge.
Frequency of Entities:
file: 4
unemployment: 11
benefit: 8
state: 7
week: 7
work: 6
certify/certification: 5
payment: 3
claim: 3
eligible/eligibility: 3
tax: 2
report: 2
money/fund: 2
job: 2
initial: 1
determination: 1
waiting period: 1
receipt: 1
disqualification: 1
appeal: 1
evidence: 1
threshold: 1
fraud: 1
preserve: 1
restrict: 1
travel: 1
balance: 1
exhaust: 1
extension: 1
assistance: 1
progression: 1
reduce: 1
stress: 1
plan: 1
diligent: 1
challenge: 1
Eligibility for unemployment benefits
States set eligibility rules for unemployment benefits. Select your state on this map to find the eligibility rules for unemployment benefits. When deciding if you get benefits, many states require that you:
- Earned at least a certain amount within the last 12-24 months
- Worked consistently for the last 12-24 months
- Look for a new job
How to apply for unemployment benefits
There is not a federal unemployment program. Each state manages its own unemployment insurance program and pays benefits.
If you live and worked in different states, file for unemployment in the state where you worked.
How Does Unemployment Work? | How Does Unemployment Pay You?
What happens if I wait to apply for unemployment?
Waiting to apply can delay your benefits. File for unemployment in the first week that you lose your job or have your hours reduced. Your claim begins the Sunday of the week you applied for unemployment. If you filed for unemployment within the last 52 weeks and have not exhausted your benefits, you must reopen your claim to restart your benefits.
What to know when you file for unemployment in California?
Here’s five key things to know when you file for unemployment in California: How to apply for disability, unemployment, or family leave during the coronavirus pandemic 1. Looking for work while on unemployment
How do I apply for unemployment in UI online?
UI Online will take you to the ID.me login page. Log in to allow ID.me to share your identity information with the EDD. Select Allow and finish completing your unemployment application. If you are unable to verify your identity through ID.me when applying online, you will need to file a claim by phone, fax, or mail.
What if I’m not eligible for unemployment?
If you’re not eligible for unemployment, you may be eligible for Disability Insurance , Paid Family Leave, or Nonindustrial Disability Insurance. You may qualify for other State programs to help cover food, housing, and healthcare expenses. The EDD manages the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program for the State of California.
