Applying For Unemployment Benefits

Are you ready to apply for unemployment?

If so, get the facts. First, employment is a benefit of the state, not federal, and therefore the qualifications and benefits vary widely from state to state. In many states (not all) may occur on the Internet, however, before doing so, make sure you are filing correctly or you may receive a denial of claims.

First, you'll likely need the following if you are applying for unemployment:

- Dates you started and ended employment for the last two years

- Income earned. Note in many states certain professions are not eligible, i.e. outside real estate agents for example.

- Exact name and address and phone of your previous employer

- Federal Employer ID number (aka "EIN") as found on your paystub or W-2

- Mailing address, phone number

- Social Security number and Driver's License number (assuming you have one)

- Mother's maiden name for security access

- If military, your separation date.

If you are eligible depends on several factors. In general, unemployment is awarded to those who have become unemployed through no fault of their own, however, there are many exceptions. If you were fired or quit, you may still qualify for unemployment benefits, according to nature of his dismissal. These reasons cover in case of dismissal, including time off work to prevent domestic violence, children, or loss of transportation, in the absence of suitable alternative exists (e.g, bus), etc. The maximum grant is reflected in their previous earnings. In general, you can climb to about $ 16,000 in 2008. To be eligible, you must have worked (i.e can not have been a student or retired or otherwise not work.) You must be physically and mentally fit to work. If you have doctor's orders can not work, does not apply in case of unemployment, but rather focus on social security or assistance from other agencies.

When you apply for unemployment benefits, it generally takes 2-3 weeks to receive your first check, assuming you are granted benefits. We have a collection of secrets, strategies and common mistakes you can avoid to help you make the most when you apply for unemployment. First, review your separation package. You may be owed money from a package of severance pay. In addition, many large employers 'outplacement', where they will actively help in finding a new job as a way to save money to pay unemployment. Your package severance pay will also generally cover the expansion of key services to your former employer may have such as health insurance and how to roll over a 401k, 403b or other retirement package business.

Another critical mistake often made is to let your inner block that starts right and the best moves for the moment. One of the most important initiatives to do what you are applying for unemployment is to maintain social contact with former colleagues, and that can help find a new position and a reference. It is recommended not to withdraw from these contacts of anger and shame, but to work hard to maintain key relationships and working life to help you find the new location.