Eligibility Requirements For Unemployment Insurance Benefits
To be eligible for UI benefits the claimant must:
- be totally or partially unemployed
- have worked and earned a minimum amount of wages in work covered by UI in the last 15 to 18 months
- have lost his or her job through no fault of their own
- be able and available for work
- NEW! Verify your identity through online verification or provide required documents
- be actively seeking work
- be registered for work .
What Is Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance is compensation provided to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, providing monetary payments for a specific period of time or until the worker finds a new job.
Benefits are provided by state unemployment insurance programs within guidelines established by federal law. Eligibility for unemployment insurance, benefit amounts, and the length of time benefits are available are determined by laws in your state.
After You File A Claim
Application confirmationYou will get a confirmation email when you submit any kind of unemployment application.
Watch your mail too. We will let you know if your claim has been approved or not. We will mail you a letter to let you know. If you are approved, we will let you know how much money you will get and what to do next.
It is taking us a minimum of four weeks to process regular unemployment insurance claims.
You can check on the status of your claim by logging into our Online Claim System.
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I Was Furloughed By My Employer But They Have Now Reopened And Asked Me To Return To My Job Can I Remain On Unemployment
No. As a general matter, individuals receiving regular unemployment compensation must act upon any referral to suitable employment and must accept any offer of suitable employment. Barring unusual circumstances, a request that a furloughed employee return to his or her job very likely constitutes an offer of suitable employment that the employee must accept.
While eligibility for PUA does not turn on whether an individual is actively seeking work, it does require that the individual be unemployed, partially employed, or unable or unavailable to work due to certain circumstances that are a direct result of COVID-19 or the COVID-19 public health emergency. In the situation outlined here, an employee who had been furloughed because his or her employer has closed the place of employment would potentially be eligible for PUA while the employer remained closed, assuming the closure was a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency and other qualifying conditions are satisfied. However, as soon as the business reopens and the employee is recalled for work, as in the example above, eligibility for PUA would cease unless the individual could identify some other qualifying circumstance outlined in the CARES Act.
Reapply For The Federal Extension If Necessary
While the additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits being provided under the CARES Act will kick in automatically in some states, other states require that you apply separately for the extension. Youll need to read the notices your state sends you to determine if you need to complete an additional application, or your payments could end up being interrupted.
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Before You Apply: Gather Your Documents And Information
For regular unemployment insurance benefits, you will need:
- Your name, Social Security number, birthdate and contact information.
- Your complete work history for the past 18 months including:
- employer name
- start and end dates of employment for each employer
One Of My Workers Quit Because He Said He Would Prefer To Receive The Unemployment Compensation Benefits Under The Cares Act Is He Eligible For Unemployment If Not What Can I Do
No, typically that employee would not be eligible for regular unemployment compensation or PUA. Eligibility for regular unemployment compensation varies by state but generally does not include those who voluntarily leave employment. Similarly, to receive PUA, an individual must be ineligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits under state or federal law, or pandemic emergency unemployment compensation, and satisfy one of the eligibility criteria enumerated in the CARES Act, as explained in Unemployment Insurance Program Letter 16-20. There are multiple qualifying circumstances related to COVID-19 that can make an individual eligible for PUA, including if the individual quits his or her job as a direct result of COVID-19. Quitting to access unemployment benefits is not one of them. Individuals who quit their jobs to access higher benefits, and are untruthful in their UI application about their reason for quitting, will be considered to have committed fraud.
If desired, employers can contest unemployment insurance claims through their state unemployment insurance agencys process.
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What Do I Need To Provide During The Fl Unemployment Registration Process
Now that you know how and where to apply for unemployment in Florida, you must collect the information and documents necessary to file for unemployment benefits. Note that even if you are unable to provide all of the required items during your initial application, you can still apply for unemployment benefits in FL and supply the remaining data later. In general, you have to provide the following paperwork and information:
- Your Social Security Number and your FL drivers license number or state ID number
- Your personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, gender, race and level of education
- Extensive information about the jobs you have held in the last 18 months, such as:
- Your employers names and their contact information
- The start and end dates of your past jobs
- Your untaxed gross earnings
- The reason for your dismissal from work
- Data about any pensions, retirement claims and workers compensation
Note: Former members of the military, federal employees, self-employed workers and non-U.S. citizens will be required to submit additional data and documentation.
Taxes On Unemployment Benefits
The Internal Revenue Service counts unemployment insurance benefits as income, so your check is taxable. Depending on the state, state and federal income tax can be withheld from your check. Keep all paperwork in order and make sure that you file income taxes, even if you were unemployed for all or most of the year.
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Your Work Search Responsibilities
To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you must seek work with at least three potential employers each week and maintain a detailed and verifiable record of your work search. If you cannot prove you looked for work, you may be considered overpaid and required to repay benefits.
S To Apply For Unemployment
1. Make sure you are eligible
Unemployment Insurance helps eligible workers who have lost their job, or are on reduced hours, by providing temporary supplemental income. If you meet the below criteria, you may apply for benefits.
- You are unemployed through no fault of your own
- You are able and available to work
- You must have earned a minimum of $1,500 during your base period .
Since Unemployment Insurance is an insurance paid by Oklahoma employers, it is not available for self-employed, contract, or gig workers.
2. Prepare all your information ahead of time
In order to complete your application, you’ll need the following information and documents.
- Social Security Number
- Name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address
- Alien registration number and expiration date, if a non-citizen
- Oklahoma Driver’s License or state-issued ID card number
- Name and address of the company on your paycheck stub or W-2 form
- Employment start and end date
- Wages earned and how you were paid
- Form SF8 or SF 50 if employed by the Federal government in the last 18 months
- DD Form 214 for military service in the previous 18 months
3. Complete your initial application
4. After you file your claim
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Have A Question Or Need More Information
Still have questions about your application or benefits? Contact your state unemployment office. You may find the information you need on the website by accessing the frequently asked questions section or exercising a search option to look for answers to your questions. That failing, call the phone number listed to the website for assistance.
The information contained in this article is not legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own states laws or the most recent changes to the law.
Submit An Application By Automated Phone
You can apply by phone on Fridays, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm.
At the end of the call, you will be transferred to a Customer Service Representative to complete your application.
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Important Tips To Ensure Your Application Can Be Processed Timely
Unfortunately, identity theft is a common occurrence. Identity thieves sometimes use stolen identities to apply for unemployment benefits.
To verify your identity, we review your answers to ALL questions. We also verify the information you provide using other data sources. It is very important to read each question carefully and to give an accurate, complete response. Incorrect or incomplete information will result in delays in payments .
Here are some tips:
Talk To Your Employer If Youre Called Back To Work
Finally, what if your company has remained closed but finally reopens and calls you back to work? That means you have a current offer of employment and are no longer eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
Exceptions are available if youve been told by a health provider to quarantine, or if youre caring for children while schools are closed. But remote schooling generally doesnt count as a school being closed for unemployment purposes, though some child caregivers might be eligible for PUA or family leave benefits.
Being called back to work may be a difficult situation if you arent comfortable returning to work right now. Your best bet may be to discuss the situation with your boss to see if there are any accommodations that can be made, but dont count on continuing to collect unemployment if your work returns.
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Pay Income Tax On Your Unemployment Benefits
Do you have to pay taxes on your unemployment benefits? In a word, yes, at least when it comes to your federal income tax return. Unemployment compensation is subject to income taxes but is not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes, says Kathy Pickering, H& R Blocks chief tax officer.
So unlike the $1,200 stimulus payment that many people received over the spring and summer, the federal government will tax your unemployment benefits. And its not just federal taxes, either: Thirty-four states fully tax unemployment benefits, and two states partially tax unemployment benefits, according to Pickering.
Youll need to include any unemployment payments you received in 2020 on your income tax return when you file it by April 2021. If youre concerned about owing tax on that money, you can elect to pay it as you go so you dont get hit with a bill next year.
Many people find it easier to have taxes withheld from unemployment rather than make estimated tax payments, explains Pickering. Having taxes withheld or making estimated tax payments are both ways you can minimize the risk of an unexpected balance due and potential penalties.
Who Is Eligible To Receive Unemployment Compensation
Your state establishes eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance coverage, with primary requirements including having worked for a certain period of time and your job having been lost through circumstances beyond your control, typically a layoff or a furlough.
Typically, you must be considered an employeeas opposed to an independent contractorat a company that pays into the unemployment insurance fund for your state. However, benefit guidelines have changed due to the coronavirus.
Self-employed workers may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Check with your state department of labor for information on qualifying.
If you meet the eligibility requirements established by your state, you are entitled to receive temporary compensation, generally half your earnings up to a maximum amount.
Wrongful termination can result in eligibility for unemployment benefits, as well as possibly some company benefits.
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Dont Count On Extra Help From The Federal Government
As part of the CARES Act, Congress originally provided an extra $600 per week that was added on top of state unemployment benefits. However, this $600 federal add-on expired at the end of July, and Congress and the White House havent been able to agree on an extension.
While negotiations are still ongoing for a second stimulus plan, even if one finally passes, there are no guarantees that itll include another federal addition to unemployment. So when youre budgeting your expenses, plan on only having access to what your state provides. Then if a federal addition is eventually passed into law, itll be icing on the cake.
Benefit Year End Date
A regular unemployment insurance benefit year ends 12 months after the claim started.
You must reapply for a new claim if you earned enough wages in the last 18 months and are still unemployed or working part time. We will notify you when your new claim is processed. This usually takes two to three weeks.
- If youre unsure if you have enough wages as reported by an employer, log in to UI OnlineSM and select File New Claim. We will do one of the following:
- Immediately tell you that you do not have enough wages to establish a new claim.
- Provide instructions on how to submit a new application.
For more information, refer to the unemployment benefit calculator.
If you served in the military, worked for a federal government agency, or worked in a state outside of California within the last 18 months, you must reapply for a new claim by phone, mail, or fax.
You do not need to reapply if you did not earn enough wagesin the last 18 months to establish a new claim, regardless of whether you are on a regular claim, a federal extension, or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance . Continue to certify for benefits, and we will notify you when your benefit weeks are processed.
To find your benefit year end date, log in to UI OnlineSMand view your Claim Summary. Your benefit year end date is 12 months after the start of your Benefit Year.
For more information, refer to your Notice of Unemployment Insurance Award for your claim ending date or review Benefit Year End.
Fax
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I Am An Independent Contractor Am I Eligible For Unemployment Benefits Under The Cares Act
You may be eligible for unemployment benefits, depending on your personal circumstances and how your state chooses to implement the CARES Act. States are permitted to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to individuals who are self-employed, seeking part-time employment, or who otherwise would not qualify for regular unemployment compensation. To qualify for PUA benefits, you must not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits and be unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PUA program provides up to 39 weeks of benefits, which are available retroactively starting with weeks of unemployment beginning on or after January 27, 2020, and ending on or before December 31, 2020. The amount of benefits paid out will vary by state and are calculated based on the weekly benefit amounts provided under a states unemployment insurance laws. Under the CARES Act, the WBA may be supplemented by the additional unemployment assistance provided under the Act.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available In Three Nc Counties
Following a federal disaster declaration due to the effects of Tropical Storm Fred, Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are now available in Buncombe, Haywood and Transylvania counties. Individuals in these three counties have until October 10, 2021 to apply for DUA.
Workers in these counties who became unemployed as a direct result of the effects of Tropical Storm Fred may be eligible for unemployment benefits under the DUA program. Business owners affected by the storm may also qualify for benefits. Learn more.
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