Check Eligibility For Unemployment Benefits
Most Massachusetts workers are covered by the Unemployment Insurance program, although workers in some jobs may not be eligible for benefits.
When you apply for Unemployment Insurance , your initial eligibility for benefits is based on your earnings and your reason for leaving your job. Ongoing eligibility requirements include being able to work, available for work, and actively searching for work.
Contact Your State Representative Or Senator
As a last ditch effort, Harris reached out to her state senators office, and says she was told they would send an inquiry on her behalf. About two weeks later, in late September, Harris received back pay totaling $10,000. Harris believes she is still owed additional benefits, and is unclear on how to ensure continued benefits.
Pagan has reason to agree that, for anyone who is having trouble getting their unemployment benefits, contacting a state senator or other state elected official is probably the best bet. She credits this approach with helping get her issue resolved.
Unemployment benefits are handled by the state, so contacting your state-level elected officials can help get the ball rolling. They can sometimes get an answer faster than the unemployment office itself, Stettner says. They are doing case work on behalf of their constituents, but theyre also overwhelmed, he says. He even recommends reaching out to your state governors office.
Applying For Unemployment Benefits
When you have been fired from a job, you can file online for unemployment. Its a good idea to get the paperwork for your claim in order as soon as possible after you receive notice of your termination. It can take time for your claim to be processed, and the sooner you file for benefits, the sooner a determination can be made as to your eligibility.
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Ui Repayment Is Rare Focus On Your Job Search
To summarize, you only pay back your unemployment benefits in cases of overpayment.
Additionally, the federal and state governments rely mostly on employers to fund UI benefits. The only time youâre required to help fund them is if you live in a state that requires employers to deduct a small portion of the UI tax from your paycheck. Even then, the amount you pay will be small, and you will only pay if youâre employed.
Even in times of dramatic economic downturn that result in enhanced UI benefits, like the coronavirus pandemic, you typically do not repay the unemployment benefits you receive.
The only time you must repay benefits is if your weekly benefit amount was higher than what you were eligible to receive. At that point, the state unemployment department will ask you to repay the overpaid UI benefits or deduct them from ongoing unemployment payments.
Getting a new job doesnt usually mean you need to repay your weekly benefit amount. With that in mind, you can worry less and focus your energy on finding that new job.
Applying For Both Programs
The process of applying for both unemployment and Social Security is not significantly different from applying for each program on its own. U.S. citizens become eligible for partial Social Security upon reaching age 62, with progressively higher benefits for deferred enrollment. To apply for retirement benefits, visit the SSA website and submit an application online. You may also apply by mail or in person at your local SSA office.
Most people can apply for unemployment online or by phone through their stateâs unemployment office. In some cases, you may be scheduled for a telephone interview to confirm some of the details of your application. Outside of Minnesota, you do not generally have to disclose Social Security payments as income, though it is a good idea to mention your benefits to an unemployment intake worker to make sure the required paperwork is in order.
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What Is Pua And Who Is Eligible
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance was a federal unemployment benefit provided to US citizens not traditionally eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance such as self-employed, contract, and gig workers. PUA was established through the CARES Act , extended through CAA and ARP Acts , but discontinued in Oklahoma on 6/26/2021.
How Do I Apply For A Waiver
You apply for a waiver by sending a letter to:
Unemployment Insurance CommissionAugusta, ME 04333-0057
The Commission will not accept phone calls requesting a waiver.
Your letter to the Commission should include all the reasons why you are unable to repay the overpayment. It should also include your name and mailing address. List the date of each decision that you want waived and each overpayment amount you want waived. The Commission will then send you a form to fill out describing your financial situation within 14 days. Your request for a waiver will be denied if you do not return the form. You can also request a hearing, although the Commission is not required to give you one.
Here are the things the Commission looks at before making a decision:
- Your health and ability to work
- Whether you support family members or others
- Whether you have a job
- Your family income and expenses
- Whether you own property, other than a home, car, and basic household goods
- Debts you and your family owe
- Medical or other expenses you or family members have
- Whether you got similar benefits from another source
- Whether the Commission gave you clear notice that you may have to repay benefits
- Would making you repay defeat the purpose of the unemployment benefits program?
- Is waiver of repayment the fair and right thing to do?
You can also ask for a hearing on your waiver request. But the Commission may not give you a hearing it may just decide your case based on the written information it has.
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How Are Unemployment Benefits Calculated
The amount that an individual qualifies for is based on wages earned from covered employers during the base period. The base period is the first four of the previous five completed calendar quarters . The full method of calculaton for weekly benefit amounts and maximum benefit amounts can be found in sections 2-104 and 2-106 in the Oklahoma Employment Security Act.
Keeping Track Of Your Unemployment Benefits
Itâs a good idea to keep track of all the paperwork associated with your unemployment benefits. Take screenshots of online documentation. Keep receipts for the unemployment you receive. Make sure you know how much you are entitled to receive. If you are receiving more than you are supposed to receive, you will be required to return the overpayment. So, it is smart not to spend that money.
Itâs a good idea to put the overpayment in a separate bank account to keep yourself from spending it. If there is an error, you can contact the unemployment office. You can also ask your state-elected officials for help. It is their job to make sure their constituents receive the government benefits theyâre eligible for. You can also contact a private attorney for help.
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When To Expect Benefits
If you are eligible, you can expect to start receiving UI benefit payments within 22 days of your initial claim filing. Be sure to file a weekly request for payment each week, even if you are not yet receiving a benefit payment. You will not receive unemployment benefits for any week that was not requested in a timely manner. If there are any issues with your claim, payment may be delayed several weeks while an investigation is conducted to determine your eligibility to receive benefits. Benefits will not arrive on the same day each week, and the DES will not mail you a notice when they process. Your benefits are subject to federal and state income taxes. Contact the Internal Revenue Service for more information.
Will I Get My Retroactive Or Back Payments If My States End Benefits Early
With many states ending their participation in the federally funded unemployment programs several weeks earlier than the September 6th end date, a lot of claimants who have had delays or issues with their claims getting paid were naturally worried if they would get back payments. The answer is Yes. Because the funds are allocated at a federal level, the state unemployment agencies are obligated to pay any eligible new or existing claim payments prior to the end date of the states participation in the program.
States had to provide 30 days notice to the US DOL prior to ending the PUA, PEUC, $300 FPUC programs. This also requires them to ensure retroactive payments are made on claims prior to this notice period. After the states termination date no new or active claim payments will be made. Not surprisingly many states are still struggling with large backlogs and fraudulent claims, so it is expected it could take several weeks for some states to make back payments for eligible weeks.
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Can You Collect Unemployment If You Get Social Security
It is possible for some older adults to collect unemployment benefits at the same time they get income from Social Security. The rules for doing this can get complicated, and unemployment insurance laws are different in every state. Itâs always a good idea to check with a senior financial planner or other expert for personal financial advice before making significant changes to your income stream.
Tens of millions of older American adults collect a monthly benefit from the Social Security Administration . At the same time, tens of millions more Americans receive bi-weekly unemployment benefits from their stateâs unemployment insurance department. There is some overlap between these groups, and some seniors manage to collect unemployment benefits for periods when they are out of work or underemployed.
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How To Get Your Unemployment Back Pay Faster
When you first begin searching for a new job, the last thing you probably think of is unemployment. However, its possible that you could find yourself in that unfortunate situation sooner than youd like. If this happens to you, one of the first things on your mind may be how to get your back pay faster from your unemployment benefits.
Waiting for these checks can seem like an eternity when you need every dollar. Luckily, there are steps you can take to expedite the process. Whether you were recently let go from your previous job or quit for personal reasons, either way, it will impact your unemployment benefits if those conditions are met.
The key is understanding how each circumstance impacts how and when you receive back pay from your unemployment benefits and what steps to take to accelerate that process.
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How Much Will My Weekly Payment Be
Your weekly benefit amount is shown on your Monetary Determination of Eligibility. Your WBA is based on total wages you earned in the base period.
You can determine your weekly benefit amount by dividing your total base period wages by 52. Then, multiply that number by 0.47. Your weekly benefit amount should be rounded down to the next whole dollar amount, up to a maximum of $390.00
For example, if your total wages in the base period was $30,000 then your WBA would be: $30,000 ÷ 52 = $576.92 × 0.47 = $271
How Do I Certify For Benefits What If I Miss My Certification Date
After filing your claim you will receive a Finding. You will be assigned a certification day on either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. You must certify on the day listed on your Finding. If you miss your certification day, you can certify on Thursday or Friday of that week. You must certify every two weeks. You can do this online or by calling Tele-Serve at 338-4337.
Late certifications will not be accepted. Failure to certify on your assigned day could cause denial of benefits or a delay in processing your benefits.
Learn more about certifying for benefits.
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When Do Unemployment Benefits Start
Unemployment benefits start the Sunday before you file. This means that as long as you are able to file by Saturday, you will not miss out on the week of benefits.
You must file a benefits claim by the end of the first week in which you are unemployed. If you file later and do not request backdating, your claim will start the week it was filed.
If you file after your first week of being unemployed but within a year, you can request the IDES backdate your claim. Claims can be backdated if you can show:
- You were unaware of your rights to benefits,
- Your employer or the IDES did not fulfill their legal responsibilities,
- Your employer told you not to file a claim for benefits, or
- There were other circumstances outside your control.
You must also show that you filed your claim within 14 days after your reason for not filing ended.
Note that you should tell IDES when you get a job and no longer need unemployment benefits. Notify IDES Claimant Services as soon as possible, no later than 14 days after the day you were supposed to certify. Failure to report your return to work could lead to penalties and fraud charges. To report your return to work, call the IDES New Hire Unit at 776-7708.
If you did not file your claim on time because of issues with the IDES website, ask a rep about backdating your claim by calling 244-5631.
Does Fmla Start On The First Day Of Absence
Employers might assume that the FMLA leave period begins on the first day of absence. But Department of Labor regulations require employers to give notice to employees who request leave that the absence will count against their FMLA 12-week total. Until the notice is given, the clock doesnÄôt start running.
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Back Pay And Personnel Settlements
The State Human Resources Director must approve the amount of reinstatement pay due to a covered employee in a reversed disciplinary action resulting from the agency internal grievance procedures, appeals at the state level, or any other time a disciplinary action is reversed. This includes back pay following an employees return to work from a suspension pending investigation. See State Human Resources Regulations Section 19-718.10.
To request approval of back pay, an agency must submit a letter requesting approval and providing a reason the back pay is being provided. Additionally, agencies must submit a Back-Pay Calculation Work Sheet and a Notarized Statement of Earnings and Unemployment Compensation.
How Long Does It Take To Get Your First Unemployment Check
The amount of time it takes to get your first unemployment check depends on your state and the circumstances of your firing. In most states, you must have worked enough to qualify for benefits. For example, if you made $50,000 per year, you must have worked at least 10 weeks in the last 12 months to qualify for benefits.
If you meet these requirements, you should get your first check within two weeks of filing a claim for benefits. The first unemployment check will be for a limited amount of money. This is an advance that you must repay.
The amount of the first check and how much you will have to repay will be highlighted in your claim decision letter. You will have a certain amount of time to appeal this decision. This is how long it will take for your appeal to be decided.
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What Should I Do First
If you stop getting unemployment benefits because your employer wins an appeal to the Division of Administrative Hearings, the first step is to file another appeal. If you win your appeal, you will keep getting benefits and you will not have to repay anything.
Make sure you appeal before the deadline. You have 15 days to appeal a decision of the Administrative Hearing Officer. You must appeal in writing. Fill out the form that came with your decision. Then fax, mail, or hand-deliver it to the Unemployment Insurance Commission before the deadline.
If you left your job voluntarily for a good reason, like mistreatment or discrimination by your employer, you should especially consider appealing a decision denying you unemployment. Contact a lawyer who specializes in discrimination cases.
Is My State Processing Unemployment Back Payments
The answer is yes. All state UI agencies and departments are processing claims and will backdate your claim to when you first became unemployed, as reported by you when you enter your last day of work. You will need to generally contact them to update your unemployment date if incorrect so that they can correctly pay retroactive benefits. However states like Florida, North Dakota, Arizona and Ohio are still well behind making these retroactive payments due to IT system issues around certifying eligibility for past weeks and taking initial claims for new worker groups eligible for unemployment and the extra $600 under PUA provisions.
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Is Texas Giving Extra Unemployment Benefits
Jobless Texans will soon lose access to all additional federal unemployment aid including a $300-per-week supplemental benefit that was extended as a result of the pandemic after Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday said Texas will opt out of the federal assistance.
Keeping this in consideration, Is Texas waiving the waiting week for unemployment?
Greg Abbott instructed the Texas Workforce Commission to waive the waiting week, for Unemployment Benefits. TWC is temporarily waiving these requirements to ensure all Texans can have access to resources when in need. Those seeking to apply for Unemployment Benefits will need to submit an application.
Secondly Is Texas paying the extra $300 for unemployment 2021? The TWC has stopped paying enhanced unemployment benefits, including the $300 supplementary payment, following Governor Greg Abbotts directive ending Texas participation in these programs. These extra benefits ended as of the week ending June 26, 2021.
Is Texas paying the extra $300 for unemployment?
Abbott halts extra $300 in federal unemployment pay for jobless Texans. The push from business groups comes as at least 16 other Republican-led states have announced theyll rescind the additional unemployment benefits in hopes of forcing workers back into jobs.
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