How to Do You Determine if You Are Eligible for Unemployment?
- 1). Determine the reason for your job separation. In most cases, to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have separated from your job through no fault of your own. This means that if you voluntarily quit or leave your last job, you are ineligible.
- 2). Navigate to your state's unemployment website. Download the Claimant's Handbook. The handbook provides information regarding eligibility for the state's unemployment insurance benefits.
- 3). Determine if you meet base wage requirements. Each state sets individual base wage requirements that determine unemployment eligibility. In most states, your earnings from the four quarters before the quarter you file a claim for benefits are considered. Quarters run from January 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, July 1 through September 30 and October 1 through December 31. From the quarter you are in when you determine eligibility, count back four quarters to determine the period for your wage base eligibility.
- 4). Determine if you meet other eligibility requirements established by your state unemployment insurance office. For instance, in most states you must be able to work and agree to look for work during the time you receive unemployment benefits.
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