Unemployment Eligibility Requirements

By Kathleen G. Huertas
Unemployment insurance is the name they use for collecting unemployment benefits that you pay into from your state. Some people are confused over how it actually works. It is a type of insurance fund. You and your Employer contribute to the fund through tax withholding on your paycheck. If you should become laid off from your job you can file a claim and begin collecting unemployment benefits. Keep in mind that not everyone is eligible to collect benefits.

Every employee must make contributions to unemployment insurance if you want to be eligible to file a claim. You are required to make such contributions to the premium for six months before becoming eligible. Once you have worked according to your state requirements and have put the proper amount into the fund, you would be qualified to file a claim upon loss of your job.

You must be aware that not all terminations are eligible for benefits. You must have lost your job involuntarily, for reasons such as not enough work, downsizing, seasonal, etc. In the case that you may be fired and not laid off, you will have a review to decide why you were fired and to be sure that it was not due to misconduct. They will contact your employer and ask the reason for dismissal, it is illegal for the employer to give false reasons for termination. You will not be eligible for benefits if you quit your job.

There are requirements to continuing to receive unemployment benefits. When you file, which in most states is available online or through the telephone, your state will tell you of how much you are eligible to collect, your weekly benefit payment amount, and dates to call in for your payments to be issued.

In some states you are required to attend an employment counseling class in which, an unemployment representative will inform you of exact rules you must follow to receive your benefits. It may include:

* Seeking employment if you are able to work and not disabled.
* You will have to pay taxes at the end of the tax year on the benefits you received.
* You must report any income you earn while collecting benefits.
* You are also required to tell them immediately upon returning to work.

If you fail to comply with the regulations of unemployment insurance it is considered fraud. You would be required to payback every penny you received. If the amount you received was large enough, you will face criminal charges and can be imprisoned. Types of fraud are:

Working off the books and not reporting income.Collecting benefits in another name., Failure to immediately report returning to work., Making any type of income while collecting benefits.,

Not everyone will qualify for unemployment benefits, if you have not maintained employment for at least the six months, or you are an independent contractor, you will not be eligible. You may opt for private unemployment insurance to fill any gaps of income. You would give to this the same as public unemployment insurance. You must check with each insurer to verify requirements. Premiums are tax deductible for business owners.

My passion is to help others through their journey in life. To help those who find it difficult to follow the right path, and to teach my children to offer their hands in life. I have a great passion in giving and finding peace and hope in all types of relationships.