How To Receive Unemployment Money

How To Get Unemployment Benefits Faster

We understand that some of our members have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that has unfortunately caused many businesses to cut jobs or shut down entirely. In the midst of very uncertain and trying times, we’re here to help get much-needed cash into the pockets of all our members as quickly as possible.

Under the law states were also able to extend unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks under the new Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. In total, individuals may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits for up to 39 weeks, which are available retroactively starting with weeks of unemployment beginning on or after January 27, 2020, and ending on or before December 31, 2020 according to the Department of Labor.Where do I file for unemployment?Please visit the Department of Labor’s website to file your claims and for all further information on qualifications, amounts and guidelines, which will vary per state.

Unemployment Insurance Benefits And Eligibility

COVID-19 UPDATE:Because the coronavirus pandemic has left so many Americans jobless, the federal government has given states more flexibility in granting unemployment benefits. Youll still need to apply for these benefits through your states unemployment insurance program, but if you have questions about whether youre eligible for benefits read our COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits and Insurance FAQ.

In 1935, the Social Security Act was passed by Congress and marked the beginning of an unemployment insurance benefit program throughout the United States. The intent of the act was to provide an economic safety net for people when they lost their jobs while also stabilizing the economy. Originally, recipients would be eligible for a maximum of 16 weeks of benefits. In most cases today, that number is now 26 weeks of benefits.

Under the direction of the United States Department of Labor, unemployment benefits are administered by each state. Unemployment insurance is funded through taxes paid by employers, and all employers are required to carry coverage.

If you are laid off from a job due to downsizing, your employer closes their doors, or for any number of reasons you are no longer employed through no fault of your own, you are more than likely eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. However, if you quit your job or you are fired for just cause, you may not be able to collect benefits.

How Much Unemployment Will I Get

Thats tricky, because every state handles unemployment differently but also, states calculate benefit checks based on your last year of wages.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said state unemployment checks averaged $387/week per person in February, ranging from a $215/month average in Mississippi to $550/month in Massachusetts.

For up to four months, unemployed workers will get $300 a week added to their checks, thanks to the recent stimulus bill, bumping the average weekly check to nearly $700.

All unemployment benefits you receive are subject to state and federal income taxes, although the recently passed American Rescue Plan gives people up to a $10,200 federal tax break on those benefits.

Read Also: How Do I Apply For Unemployment Benefits In Louisiana

Why You Can Trust Bankrate

Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. Weve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next.

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that were putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts, who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.

Our banking reporters and editors focus on the points consumers care about most the best banks, latest rates, different types of accounts, money-saving tips and more so you can feel confident as youre managing your money.

Unemployment Insurance Relief During Covid

Notice

The CARES Act gives states the option of extending unemployment compensation to independent contractors and other workers who are ordinarily ineligible for unemployment benefits. Please contact your states unemployment insurance office at the website or phone number provided below to learn more about the availability of these benefits where you live.

• Where Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?

You May Like: Tn Unemployment Qualifications

Certify For Benefits Every Two Weeks

You must provide the EDD with eligibility information every two weeks. This process is known as certifying for benefits. You can certify with UI Online, EDD Tele-Cert, or .

Report work and wages correctly while receiving benefit payments. Report any work you performed and wages you earned every two weeks you certify for benefits. Watch Reporting Wages and Earnings for more information.

Note: You must serve a one-week unpaid waiting period on your claim before you are paid UI benefits. The waiting period can only be served if you certify for benefits and meet all eligibility requirements for that week. Your first certification will usually include the one-week unpaid waiting period and one week of payment if you meet eligibility requirements for both weeks. The waiting period has no effect on the maximum benefit amount on a claim. Certify for benefits every two weeks to continue receiving benefit payments.

How Will I Receive My Unemployment Benefits

According to the Department of Labor, after you file a claim, it will take approximately two to three weeks before you see your first benefit check.

In some states, you will have a one-week waiting period between the time you become unemployed and when you first become eligible for benefits. You will not receive unemployment compensation for this week when that is the case. After the waiting period, it generally takes an additional week to process your claim.

How much money you receive will generally be calculated on a percentage of your prior earnings during your base period, up to a cap limit set by the state in which you apply for benefits. Currently, weekly benefit amounts range up to $900 per week, but the vast majority of people receive between $200 and $400 per week.

You May Like: What Happens To Unclaimed Unemployment Benefits

If You Have To Reapply Heres What You Need To Do

Go to labor.ny.gov/signin and click File a Claim, or call the state Department of Labors automated phone service at 888-209-8124.

You will need these documents:

• Your New York State driver license or Motor Vehicle ID card number
• Your complete mailing address and ZIP code
• A phone number where the DOL can reach you
• Your Alien Registration card number, if you are not a U.S. citizen and have a card
• Names and addresses of all your employers for the last 18 months
• Employer Registration Number or Federal Employer Identification Number of your most recent employer
• Your copies of forms SF8 and SF50, if you were a federal employee
• Your most recent separation form , for military service

Heres when you should call:

The Department of Labor has a process set up that recommends people call on certain days of the week based on their last name. You can find your day here:

Flowchart Of Receipt Of Unemployment Benefits

Step 1 You need to receive separation certificate and separation noticethat certify you have lost your job.

At first your employer needs to prepare separation certificate and you will inspect the content and write your signature to clarify your recognition.

This clarifies reason of your separation, the amount of your salary etc.

Then your employer needs to submit it to Public employment security office Named Hello Work =Shokugyo Anteisho within ten days.

After that Hello work will provide unemployment insurance insured person Separation notice .

In order to receive Unemployment Benefits, this certificate is necessary.

Step 2

You can visit Hello Work to apply for Unemployment Benefits

Once you have received Separation notice , you can visit Hello work.

You can also bring My number card, bank book, seal etc.

Step 3

You need to participate in seminar that explains Unemployment Benefits and receive some certificates

Step 4

You need to visit Hello Work and report situation of your job hunting activity. Because Unemployment Benefits is paid to a person who is trying to find a job.

So you need to visit Hello Work every 4 weeks and receive confirmation of unemployment.

Step 5

About one week after 26th May 2020, you will receive Unemployment Benefits to your bank account.

Even if you have lost your job due to employers reason, it will take about one month until you can receive Unemployment Benefits.

You May Like: Unemployment Tennessee Application

Expanded Unemployment In New York During The Covid

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill known as the American Rescue Plan .

Under ARP, the $300 per week federal unemployment supplement is extended until September 6, 2021.

The law also extends two unemployment programs originally created by the CARES Act in March 2020: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation .

Under the PUA program, self-employed workersusually excluded from unemployment benefitsare entitled to unemployment if they meet certain criteria. ARP makes PUA benefits available through Labor Day 2021, and increases the maximum duration of these benefits from 50 to 79 weeks.

The PEUC program provides for a federally-funded extension of benefits when state unemployment benefits expire. ARP increases the maximum duration of PEUC benefits from 24 to 53 weeks, with an expiry date of September 4, 2021.

For up-to-date information on New Yorks rules on unemployment eligibility and amounts during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the state Department of Labors Unemployment page.

How To Claim Your Unemployment Benefits

So you lost your job and you are scrambling to regain financial security.

Before you apply to one more dead-end job out of sheer desperation or eat one more Cup O Noodles for dinner, you should consider applying for unemployment insurance.

Many people dont really know what unemployment insurance is or feel intimidated by the application process.

Thats why they miss out on funds that could be giving them financial peace-of-mind during a difficult time.

And the less you worry about money and obsess over paying your bills, the more youll feel secure and be able to make smart career decisions.

The biggest misconception out there is that unemployment is an entitlement or a form of welfare, but its called unemployment insurance for a reason.

Its money set aside by your employer in the form of a payroll tax, federally mandated by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act of 1939, as insurance against the need for welfare relief.

In some states, an employers mandatory payments increase when a worker is laid off and approved for benefits.

So the legislation acts as a way to discourage employers to frequently lay off their employees.

Or seen another way, its an incentive to offer generous severance packages to ease the transition from one job to the next so that ex-employees dont need to file for unemployment.

The whole idea of unemployment insurance is to keep workers independent by preserving their purchasing power and thereby stabilize and stimulate the economy during recessions.

Recommended Reading: How To Apply For Unemployment In Missouri

You May Be Missing Documents In Your Application

While every state has individual documentation requirements, most applicants are generally required to submit their Social Security number, drivers license, information about their employer, reason for leaving, first and last day worked, among other questions.

If youre missing any of these documents or forgot to include something with your application that your individual state specifically requests, it might be holding up your claims.

How Many Weeks Of Unemployment Can You Get In New York

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Benefit: New Yorkers can now receive up to 53 weeks of extended unemployment benefits. UI: If you havent worked for an employer since your first application, or earned ten times your weekly benefit percentage, you can also prove your current eligibility at the end of the work year.

You May Like: Unemployment Requirements Tn

You Can Get Unemployment Benefits Even If You Still Have Some Work

Obviously, if youre still working full-time, then youre not unemployed and, therefore, not eligible for unemployment benefits. But if, say, youve lost one job but kept another, or if you get paid for a temporary assignment, you can still collect unemployment benefits. However, they will be reduced accordingly to compensate for the additional income youre receiving. You must report your gross wages earned each week, not just your take-home pay.

In Missouri, for example, partial unemployment benefits are calculated by taking your weekly wages and subtracting $20, or 20% of your weekly benefit amount, whichever is greater. That amount is your deduction, which is then subtracted from your weekly benefit and rounded down to an even dollar amount. Any withholding for federal taxes and such is taken from this amount.

Although state policies vary, as a general rule, if you perform part-time or temporary work, which includes self-employment, you are still required to fulfill your states requirement of providing a list of new job searches each week. The District of Columbia, for example, requires listing two job applications each week . And your state wants you to have the time to actively look for full-time employment, with the selfish goal of stopping payments of unemployment benefits to you when you return to work full time.

How To File A Claim For Unemployment

You may be able to file for unemployment online or over the phone. Review the information you will need to open a claim, then visit your state unemployment office to determine the best way to open a claim and begin collecting unemployment.

In general, to file a claim, you will need:

• Social Security Number
• Alien Registration Card if you’re not a U.S. citizen
• Driver’s license or State ID card number
• Mailing address including zip code
• Phone number
• Names, addresses, and dates of employment for all employers for the last two years

It generally takes a few weeks after your claim to receive your first benefit check, direct deposit, or debit card. Some states require a one-week waiting period therefore, the second week claimed is the first week of payment.

Once your claim is approved, you should be able to file your weekly claims online, by phone or mail.

Also Check: How Long Do You Have To Work To Get Unemployment In Tn

Your Application Might Be Getting Vetted For Fraud

State unemployment offices have been hit massively with fraud. The FBI in July announced that they had seen a spike in fraudulent UI claims relating to the pandemic, which involved fake filers using stolen personally identifiable information. Other fraudulent applicants have used the names and personal information of people who have not lost their jobs, further overwhelming the system and costing states money.

To stop the problem, some states have started requiring more forms of ID. Others, such as California, have decided to pause making payments and accepting new applications for two weeks, so they can get control of the problem and work through their backlog.

All of these peoples benefits are frozen while theyre flagged, and the state has got to verify their identity, Evermore says. Thats not always easy to do.

How Long Can I Receive Benefits

In most states, you are eligible to receive 26 weeks of payments, although there are some exceptions as noted here:

The other factor that determines how long you can continue to receive benefits is by keeping your claim in good standing.

To do so, you must file weekly or bi-weekly claims depending on what state you are in. The claim forms are simple, but you will be required to:

• Answer questions to prove you are still eligible.
• Report earnings and any job offers you have received.
• Report to your local State Unemployment Insurance Agency or One-Stop/Employment Service Office when you are scheduled to.
• Report for all scheduled interviews.

If you delay in filing a claim form or you do not answer all questions, or you commit fraud in doing so, your benefits may be delayed or discontinued.

Don’t Miss: File For Unemployment In Tennessee

Did You Receive Unemployment In 2021 You May Owe The Irs Money

There’s no tax break for unemployment benefits received last year, which means you may owe more than you expected.

Courtney Johnston

Dori Zinn

Contributing Writer

Dori Zinn loves helping people learn and understand money. She’s been covering personal finance for a decade and her writing has appeared in Wirecutter, Credit Karma, Huffington Post and more.

Unemployment numbers surged at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, topping out at 14.7% in April 2020. Even though numbers , they’re still above prepandemic levels. Expanded unemployment benefits, which ended on Labor Day in 2021, provided a lifeline for millions throughout the pandemic. However, if you received any jobless benefits at all last year, you might be in for a shock when you file your taxes.

Unlike stimulus checks, which you don’t have to pay taxes on, unemployment payments are considered taxable income and will need to be accounted for on your 2021 return. And this tax season, you won’t be able to rely on a tax break for unemployment insurance, either. While taxes had been waived on up to $10,200 received in unemployment for those making less than $150,000 in 2020 — the first year of the pandemic — that was only temporary relief and no such tax break exists for UI received in 2021.

Here’s everything you need to know about unemployment benefits for this tax season.

Am A Freelancer Gig Worker Or Independent Contractor

As of this writing, these workers are still eligible for federal PUA payments. While the process to get the benefits varies by state, by June, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were paying out PUA. But keep in mind that you cant qualify for both PUA and UI, so if you had a W2 job that qualifies you for UI, you cant also claim PUA, even if you lost your freelance job.

The benefit amount for PUA is calculated the same way as it is for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, another federal program used in times of crisis. That is, PUA pays a minimum of half of the average UI benefit in your state .” rel=”nofollow”> NELP says those amounts average about $190 per week), and increases based on your proof of income. You can use your tax returns from the previous year to establish the amount, Holmes says.

You May Like: Sign Up For Unemployment In Tennessee