Feb 19th 2008, 05:46

Jobless? Help Is Available

Unemployment Insurance to help you get by

If you are currently unemployed and in need of support, you can look into your local government agency to see if they have an ‘Unemployment Insurance’ program in place.  This program provides payment benefits to eligible workers who’ve become unemployed through no fault of their own.  These benefits are temporarily given to unemployed workers who meet State law requirements, where eligibility is also determined according to the same laws.

The benefits are based on a percentage of a person’s earnings over a recent 52-week period up to a State maximum amount and can be paid for a maximum of 26 weeks in general; where additional weeks assistance may be available during high unemployment periods, providing additional benefits for particular uses also.  They are also subject to Federal tax.

Becoming eligible for this means meeting State requirements for time worked or earned wages during an established one-year period and having confirmation that your unemployment wasn’t due to work negligence or poor job performance.

If you meet the criteria, you must immediately contact your State Unemployment Insurance agency (claims can be made through internet and phone in some States), which usually takes 2-3 weeks after filing before the first check is received. Some states can issue checks within 1 week. You also have to provide full details to questions asked upon making a claim to avoid any delay.

Applicants may also register for work in the State Employment Service; which will assist you in finding a new job - providing both free market information and a wide selection of employment services. You can also be directed to current job openings in the area or elsewhere, or be referred to job training programs of interest to you. You can also receive counseling for employment opportunities outside your field, and also route you to agencies that help workers limited by disabilities to find appropriate employment.

You can visit http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/aboutui.asp or call the toll-free information line: 866-487-2365.

 

 

To Do List: - Suggested Links:

1. Increase Your Income:
   Get an online degree with financial aid from the government.
2. Consolidate Your Bills:
   Student Loans - Credit Card Debts - Refinance Home
3. Reward Yourself:
   Get a new computer for free.
4. Get some cash you don’t have to pay back:
   Government has money for almost any worthwhile need.
5. A MasterCard or Visa, even if your credit is not good
   A real line of credit