Unemployment Insurance

What is unemployment insurance?

Unemployment insurance is a jointly run program by the federal government and the states that provide payments, typically 26 weeks, for individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

I work in one state but live in another. In which state do I file for benefits?

You should file benefits with the state in which you reside. Each unemployment office has an interstate unit that works out the payments due where employees have crossed state lines to work.

How do I file a claim for unemployment benefits?

Contact your state Department of Labor. Many states now allow for you to file a claim over the phone. Once you have filed, you will have to call in weekly and answer a series of questions. These questions almost always include the following: "Have you looked for work during the past week?" A requirement to collect unemployment is that you must be actively seeking to return to the workplace.