Question by tlw: What are the eligibility requirements to collect unemployment if you have never collected before?
What are the eligibility requirements to collect unemployment if you have never collected before, were not laid off, were not fired, have not worked in over a year? If one had their temporary full-time assignment ended in 2007 and lived off savings until now, can they collect unemployment? What is the procedure?
Best answer:
Answer by DAVID H
To be eligible you must be unemployed, You have to prove that you are actively engaged in job search and that you have actually made applications. Proof of which need to be forthcoming. Having said that, if you have not claimed before you will be required to undertake regular job search activities.
Your first step will be to make an appointment at your local jobcentre and make an application.
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Although specific eligibility requirements vary from state to state, most states have the same basic standards for collecting unemployment benefits. They include:
-You must be unemployed or working less than full time
-You must meet certain income requirements
-You must be ready, willing, and able to work
-You must have involuntarily left your job
In general, you won’t be eligible for benefits if:
-You quit your job simply because you didn’t like it
-You’re fired for committing a crime (e.g., stealing)
-You’ve never worked before
For more information, contact your state’s local employment office. You can also look in the state government section of your phone book under Unemployment Insurance, Unemployment Compensation, Employment Insurance, or Employment Service. Or, you can try surfing the Internet using these same key terms.
Regardless of which state you live in, you’ll receive a weekly unemployment benefit based on how long you were employed and your prior wages. The state will calculate your average weekly wage, and you will receive a percentage of that wage based on your state’s formula. You can figure out your average weekly wage by adding up 12 months’ worth of pay stubs and dividing that number by 52. If you were salaried, just divide your annual salary by 52.
Length will vary depends on your situation. Usually it last up to 26 weeks..
I’d recommend you to go ahead and call your local unemployment office, and get a clear answer.