Unemployment 101

To everyone asking about EXTENDED BENEFITS here is a fact sheet from unemployedworkers.org. http://nelp.3cdn.net/92cd8ffd04881b449a_w4m6iiwvg.pdf
Certain states will offer 14 weeks of extended benefits and some will offer 20, depending on the unemployment rate of each state. Only those individuals whose benefits have run out after November 8, 2009 will be eligible. It may take several weeks or more for your state to implement the process for extended benefits. Check out the above fact sheet for more detailed information or contact your local state's unemployment agency. You can choose your state from the list on our "Getting Unemployment" page.

I left my job voluntarily in the middle of July 2009. I'm still looking for a job and its almost the middle of November. Because I left my job, I didn't qualify for unemployment in the state of PA. I heard from someone that after so much time and no success in finding a job, you could qualify. Is this accurate and what are the qualifications? Thx

DOES ANYONE KNOW:

Does the extension to unemployment benefits apply to people who are on their first round of benefits? I was laid off in August 2009 & my benefits end in late Jan 2010. I have not been able to find ONE person who can tell me if I will qualify for any extensions..and if I DO qualify for an extension, what exactly do I qualify for? 6 weeks? 14? another 26? I am in CA

Maybe people are saying that the ONLY people who qualify for an extension are people who already have received a 1st or 2nd extension. I've heard that some people are getting up to 79 weeks in CA.

What about those of us who are winding down our first 26 weeks of benefits? Do we get any extensions? What do we get & how do we make sure we can get it.

Thanks so much.

Hi

I ran out of my unemployment benifits and they sent me a claim form to fill out so i couold be extented for the extra 20 weeks i usually get a check the following week, but i have yet to recieve it. What is the problem? who could i talk to?

Quick question. I lost my job in Aug 2009 in CA. Me unemployment bennies will end in late Jan 2010. Does anyone know if I will qualify for an extension in bennies? The info out there is very confusing & I am not sure. And if I do qualify how many extensions are possible? I am hoping I won't need more than one extension which is (I think) 20 weeks.

If I do qualify for an extension how do I get it?

Thanks.

TO ALL OF OUR USERS: if you have lost your job and are in need of assistance, go ahead and file a claim with your local unemployment agency ASAP, even if you are unsure if you will qualify. It does not hurt you to try. Answer all of their questions honestly and accurately and let them make the final determination. The worst that can happen is they decide that you are ineligible. There is no rule that says that you must know that you are eligible in order to file a claim. No harm can come from trying as long as you are honest in your application.

Bowlo, you need to file a claim with your local unemployment agency and let them make a final determination.

molloy, you cannot qualify for unemployment if you leave a job willingly. Okellis, you sound like you should qualify, fill out an application with your local unemployment agency and let them make the final determination.

Hi i was laid off on October 23, 2009 from Quest Electric Corp. 2 South Street Mount Vernon NY i received $15 a hour i worked 71/2 hours per day 35 hours per week. I received my pay the same Friday only to hear that i was no longer working the company anymore within these claims i have made do qualify for the unemployment insurance

I was fired today but believe I am eligible for unemployment. Would like to see if you think so as well.

appx 120 days ago: Safety department holds meeting with all drivers (appx 20 people) of one particular vehicle for purpose of clarifying what should and should not happen/be done/not be done etc. in this particular vehicle.
Meeting did not include the other vehicle and there are just 4 regular drivers of it.

96 days ago: I was given a written warning (actually a final written warning even though it was a first offense) for smoking in the regular, 4 driver, company vehicle. One that has always been smoked in and continues to be to this day by the 3 other drivers.

Today: While driving a company vehicle, no smoking going on, I was attempting to park it while leaving adequate space away from a fire hydrant. I backed into a metal cage ( at idol speed). The cage received a minor dent, the vehicle received no damage, and I reported the incident immediately.
I was fired later today and told, " Although it has been over 90 days since the last incident, it hasn't been that long, and we are releasing you."

Your opinion..?..?

Hello all:

I have a question that i'm hoping someone on this site might be able to answer for me. I've been employeed for the last 10yrs with the same company and as of late I feel that the company is forcing me to quit so I can't collect unemployment. The company has cut back on marketing, Service for my clients have dropped off, my tech dept that does my installs has dwindled down to hardly no one and my days are filled with angry client calling me up telling me how horrible the company I work for is. Just to give you a litttle back ground the company I work for has landed a major account 3 yrs ago and it appears that all the attention is on that account which I have nothing to do with. I feel like i'm on a desserted island with no help and have brought this to the attention of the owner of the company numerous times but have got no where with him. I'm focusing all my time on damage control with my client that i don't get any time to do sales which is my primary job function. My question to all is if I quit my job at this point will I be able to collect unemployment while looking for a new job.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dody, you need to contact your state's unemployment office and explain your situation to them as accurately as possible. They should be able to tell you if you are required to accept the changes or risk losing your eligibility. Take a look at our page, "Getting Unemployment" and choose your state from that list. Once you are on your state's website, look for contact information and get in touch with them as soon as possible.

I filed for unemployment at the beginning of September, I left my job due to health issues, I was constantly dizzy and having bad migraines which started October of 2008. My doctor was giving me letters stating I should be off, but they had not been covered under FMLA. I was admitted in the hospital for dizziness and blurry vision in January of 2009 for a little over a week. I then had FMLA approved so it saved me for the moment. My health continued to decline and I was back again missing days. I was giving another FMLA package that needed to be filled out by the Neurologist. I had a difficult time getting it from her due to death in her family and her leaving the country for a month. The time had come and gone and I still didn't get her to fill out everything they were asking, which was how many days would I need off when these spells come on. Since I was not able to get my primary care to do it for me by the time for the needed information, FMLA was denied. My jobs had already sat me down a lot before FMLA was approved stating that I can't miss anymore days even though they knew of my health risk and the help I was receiving from my cardiologist, neurology, and primary care doctor. I didn't know if I should step down and leave instead of being fired so I decided to leave. I applied and sent unemployment a letter from two doctors stating my illness; I received a letter from unemployment stating that I am being denied because I am unable and unwilling to work. I am able to work so I got one of my doctor's to write me another stating that I can work and a spreadsheet of jobs I have applied for and some of their responses. I resubmitted a reconsideration letter to Florida Unemployment Dept in Tallahassee. I also received a hearing date but I am hoping that my resubmitted letter will be enough so that I will not have to do an appeal. Do you think it is enough information to get a second look or should I prepare for the hearing?

I was hired as an Teacher's Aid in a Imagration Holding Facility now thay now they want me to work as a officer in the pods ( holding area ). I was hired to work Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm now thay want me to work 8:00am-4:00pm and sometimes 4:00pm-12:00am also weekends which I am unable to do. If I don't accept this new changes I will lose my job. Can I reacive un-employment till I find another job?

Laura, it sounds like you have an argument for appeal and your best bet would be to appeal the decision. Take a look at our article, "Get Help getting Unemployment." Contact the groups on that page until you find an attorney willing to give you some free legal advice. You may even be able to get an attorney to go with you to the appeal. Have everything documented and, if possible, get statements that back up your side of the story from your two employers. Good luck. Here is the link to our "Get Help Getting Unemployment" article: http://pdx.thebeehive.org/jobs/unemployment-101/getting-unemployment/get...

Ellen, it sounds like you have an argument for appeal and your best bet would be to appeal the decision. Take a look at our article, "Get Help getting Unemployment." Contact the groups on that page until you find an attorney willing to give you some free legal advice. You may even be able to get an attorney to go with you to the appeal. Have everything documented and, if possible, get statements that back up your side of the story from your two employers. Good luck.

Ellen, you should speak with your attorney about the possibility of applying for unemployment benefits. He would be better suited to answer this question because he is much more familiar with the specifics of your case.

AFTER 9 MONTHS I HAVE BEEN RELEASED FROM CA DISABILITY AS PERMANENT AND STATIONARY, WITH PERMANENT RESTRICTIONS.
I AM 63 YRS OLD, AND THESE RESTRICTIONS PRECLUDE ME FROM SEEING WORK IN THE FIELD IN WHICH I HAVE WORKED ALL MY LIFE.
WHILE MY ATTORNEY WORKS THIS OUT WITH THE W C CARRIER, I AM LEFT WITH NO INCOME. DO I QUALIFY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT?
I AM ABLE TO WORK, JUST NOT IN SAME FIELD I HAVE ALWAYS WORKED. THANKS FOR YOUR RESPONSE AND SUGGESTIONS. ELLEN

Hello. I am currently living in missour, and I have a complicated situation. I was employed at a fast food restaurant for 9 months as a part-time employee. At that time, I was also drawing partial unemployment. Under the rules of unemployment you have to do a job search everyweek and if you turn down a more productive job (more pay), you will be dis-qualified for benefits. Well I was abiding to ther rules on a weekly basis. After 9 months on my previous job, I was offered a full time permanent position through a contract company as a In- Home Assistant (non-medical). The day after my employment with my previous employer, I was trying to fill out my weekly claim, but along with the weekly claim was a job application. One of the questions was about my previous employer and why I was no longer with them (fired, quit, etc..), but there was no tab on the application in regards to current. So the day after I was no longer with the previous employer, I put down quit. Well anyways, as I was working at my new job, Unemployment sent me a questionaire about why I quit my previous employer. When I got home (this new job requires 24 hour care 4 days a week), I filled out the information required along with a long letter explaining why I quit my previous job. I also gave them new information about my current employer. Well on my last day of the work week with my new employer, I was all of a sudden laid off due to lack of work. The lady that I was assigned to take care of decided not to use our services. So after I recieved my first pay check I re-applied for unemployment again. This is where it gets more complicated. After 2 weeks of waiting for unemployment, I recieved a phone message from the worker that was assigned to my case. She replied that I put down my previous employer as my previous employer, and that she knows that I quit because I accepted a new job. She then asked for the information in regards to my new employer and why I am currently not with them. I then left a voice mail message telling her that I am still employed but currently laid off due to lack of work. I also gave them the information about my current employer (Name, address, phone no.) The next day as I was looking at my status of unemployment claim it said that I quit and deny. I automatically called up unemployment and asked them why they put down quit, (assuming that they meant that I quit my current job). The gentleman in which I talked to told me to send a current pay stub along with a letter telling them to re-consider my case. I then sent them the information along with a letter to explain my current status. I then asked my current employer if someone from unemployment has contacted her. She said no. She then asked me for the contact no of my case worker. I gave her the information. 3 days after reviewing my claims status, I recieved a letter telling me that I was dis-qualified for benefits because my previous employer said that I quit for no good reason. The person in charge of my unemployment claim felt the same way and put on the paper that I quit and failed to provide proof that the new job was more remunerative. In other words, I had no right to quit my part time job and partial unemployment to a full time permanent position ( I assumed). Well of course, I freaked out and been stressed ever since. My question to you is that do I have a solid case to apeal there decission? I have been through the appeals hearing before and lost until I made 10 times the amount of unemployment. I also contacted my current employer the day after I recieved the letter asking her if she heard any word from unemployment. She said no and that she left a message to my case worker explaining what I have been explaining to them through the letter. I am desperate right now, as we are about to lose everything because I have no income. Once again. Do I have a solid case to Appeal there decision? Thank you. Laura

Hello to all
I'm new on the beehive site
I'm Adrian i read the comments on unemployment and started to wonder what i could do with the info.
i had a job working at a new store called DreamBikes in southern Wisconsin
they laid me off after about 9 months of working there. After that i did a few days of volunteer service there at DreamBikes and then quit because i didn't want to keep doing work for no pay.

Now I'm on the verge of getting kicked out of my moms home because I'm almost 18 (in 2 months) with the fear of being homeless without a job.
I am attending an alternative school that can help me get into MATC next year but i still don't know what to do in between time for myself.
I want a good paying job so i can save enough money to move into my own home soon.
If you think there is something you can do to help please comment with your ideas

THANKS BEEHIVE

Deb, Since your friend is unable to work due to an illness he is most likely not going to be able to qualify for unemployment benefits. His best move would be to apply for Social Security Disability or some other form of public assistance. Take a look at our article on Social Security and Disability. Here is the link: http://www.thebeehive.org/jobs/living-and-working-disability/social-secu...

I have a question. My friend is currently employed in the state of Michigan. Since February of this year he has been in and out of work due to illness. He is going on operation number six. His employer does not offer short term dissability. Long term kicks in after six months of continually not being able to work. Needless to say he has exhausted any extra money that he had. Friends and family have helped too. Is there any way to draw unemployment temporary? So that he does not become homeless?

I worked for a company for 8 years and they closed. After drawing unemployment for about six weeks I had an offer from another company that I would be making salary plus commision. I was told that this would be close to what I was making at my previous job so I accepted the job offer. After working for a week and talking to other people with the same position I realized that there was no way possible to make the amount of money that I was told. In fact when I got my first check it was far less than what I was making on my unemployment! So after 15 days I quit so I could look for another job that pays what I need to live. Is it still possible to get benefits because I was decieved about the amount of money I would make? I really would rather work even if I earned the same as my benefit amount, but I can't live on anything less than that.

Because to the federal government you are considered still receiving earnings from your shares.

hello...yes..to both questions...
im in the same situation myself...however,you can receive county benefits until your unemployment is denied or accepted. If youre denied you can keep receiving county/state benefits. Schooling is not considered employment so they require you to work first. Its in the unemployment handbook in the http://www.uimn.org website.

Captaingrl4u, Your question is pretty complicated. Your best option is to talk to someone from your state's unemployment agency. Select your state from the list in our, 'Getting Unemployment' article. http://www.thebeehive.org/jobs/unemployment-101/getting-unemployment

I was wondering if someone could help me with an unemployment question? Would you be required to take a job that pays about 15% less than what you were making, but it was offered by your former employer? Also, would you be required to take it if you signed up for vocational school and this job would not allow you to attend daytime or nightime classes, becasue the hours of the job are 11am to 7pm? In either case, would you lose your unemployment benefits?

Any help would be great! Thanks :)

cmberns, read the determination letter and see if it tells you what the procedure is for challenging a determination. If not, here is the number for the Department of Employment Services: (202) 724-7000. Tell them that you wish to challenge their determination and then provide them with all of the proof you have of your earnings. You can also contact your previous employer and ask them to give you whatever proof they have that they paid you.

so my request got denied b/c there was "no record of covered employment in the base period." do you have any idea how i would request reconsideration? would submitting a copy of my 1099 from 2008 listing payments for that year help?

ENCOREMIKE, I do not know the specifics of your situation or in what state you live, take a look at our article "Getting Unemployment" and click on your state to visit the appropriate website for your area. Also, take a look at another of our articles, "Get Help Getting Unemployment" for a list of organizations that can help you if it turns out that you need legal advice.

Hey cmberns, check out this URL: http://does.ci.washington.dc.us/does/cwp/view,a,1232,q,537869.asp this page lists the eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance in Washington D.C. It seems like you probably meet the requirements so your best move would be to apply and let them make a determination.

Nesquer, Call 1-800-300-5616. This is the telephone number to get a customer service representative for questions regarding unemployment insurance in California. Explain your circumstances as clearly and honestly as possible and they should be able to provide you with the correct answer.

I have been a 1099 employee in DC for 3 years. I was an independent contractor for a small PR company and essentially an employee, they just qualified me differently. I am recently laid off as my contract ended and they had no additional work, will this preclude me from getting unemployment in the District?

I am a officer and share holder of a company that I have not worked for in over three years.I do not receive any compensation from this company.I always payed into unemployment when I worked there.Being a officer and 10% share holder does this some how make me unable to collect my unemployment benefits?

I am currently on unemployment in Ca. I am having surgery this month. Will my unemployment benefits be affected or delayed in any way? On the Ca unemployment web site is does not offer this question.

Mgarcia, I don't know the answer as each specific case is different but I can tell you where to go for help. Select your state from the list on this page: http://www.thebeehive.org/jobs/unemployment-101/getting-unemployment for info on where to contact your local unemployment office. Also, the resources on this page: http://www.thebeehive.org/jobs/unemployment-101/getting-unemployment/get... offer free legal help to people with employment related issues.

I had short term disability for 1 year..is that the same as unemployment? Welfare office said I had money in my unemployment bank, does that mean I can apply for unemployment? even tho i was short term disability? Hope you can help TY :)

I am interested in starting up a small home business, does this effect my unemployment benefits?

Karlbauer,

Do you have any evidence? record of you being fired?

Hi,
I am a receiver of second UI benefit, in the mean time, I've been very active to look for the job. Unfortuantely, I even don't get any interview opportunities since this year after sending hundreds of Resumes.

Recently, one of my old friends working in a local international trading company, in my hometown overseas told me that their company has some business coorperatin opportunity and asked me whether I could go back and talk with his boss. But I am concerned that if I go there overseas for about 10 days for the cooperation discussion, my UI benefit will be stopped. But the trip is indeed to look for job.

Thank you.

Oh man, what a drag. "I got fired", they said I quit. I have already written back to New Jersey saying that I was fired, I just didn't feel like without a lawyer they would take me serious. Will the Benifts Tribunal Board take me serious? And can they still deny my benifts if it comes down to a he said she said situation?

can i draw unemployement for 1 day a week as my employer cut back from 40 to 32 hrs a week.

Ok, I am an insurance adjuster and have been working for major carriers for several years. In September of 08, I resigned from my position at a major carrier to work as a 1099 employee handling Hurricane Gustav and Ike claims. The assignment ended in January and now I'm unemployed. I've filed for unemployment but my claim is still under investigation and no decision has been made yet. I've been told the unemployment looks at the last 18 months of employment. Am I eligible or not?

My California weekly benefit is $450.00. I made approximately $6,000.00 in one week renting my privately owned movie equipment as a 1099. When I fill in my continued claim, do I report this $6,000.00? I know the state will not pay me for that week, but will they continue to withhold benefits up to this $6,000.00? Or will they reduce my total benefit amount determined when I first filed.
I have searched the internet everywhere for this information but to no avail. I need help.!!!

Wayne,
I was laid off from my sales position last November from a struggling recruiting firm (we were tied to manufacturing go figure). I cited that I was laid off due to "lack of work". I just received notice from the unemployment office indicating that I may have falsified my information because my employer indicated I was fired due to lack of performance. It seems like semantics as my poor performance was directly related to lack of work available to our business and both reasons should qualify for Unemployment benefits in the State of Michigan. Needless to say, I'm a little freaked out here. What am I facing? Should I be worried that they will take away my benefits and charge me penalties? What does my previous employer have to gain from filing this discrepancy?

Thank you for your time,
Jake

I have a questions. i was recently let go and i have the opportunity to do a medical study for money. Do you know if this is something i need to claim as work to unemployment?

Marina,

Keep in mind, that the contract that you signed probably has a section that tells you what will happen to you if you should get laid off and whether or not you can get unemployment from the institution. I recommend that you check with your local government on finding out more information. Please also review our unemployment section on the beehive.

-Wayne

I am not eligible for unemployment benefits, because I worked for religion institute, which does’ not pay unemployment insurance. When I was hired 3 years ago, nobody notify me about it. Than I was layoff, my director did not tell me about it too. I applied for unemployment benefits and got a letter “I can’t be used to establish an unemployment benefit account. I think it is discrimination.
I worked as everybody in USA. Pay federal and state taxes from each paycheck. Now, in critical finance situation in our country, when unemployment rate is so high, and no chance to find jobs I was kicked off and ineligible for benefits as other people.
I would like to know how I could get support from government instead unemployment benefits.

If you work a job for a day or two (like a temporary job) will you lose your benefits?

Mickey,

Tell us what we can help you with.

-Wayne