Being out of work is stressful, and wondering where your next paycheck will come from can cause even more anxiety. Interviewing for jobs takes time and can be a long process, and with increasing COVID cases there are many people who have had to apply for unemployment benefits. Especially now, there are a lot of unemployment benefits being offered with extra flexibility. Unemployment benefits can provide some financial stability and peace of mind during periods of unemployment.
To determine if you’re eligible for unemployment benefits, there are two criteria you have to look at: Whether you are unemployed through no fault of your own, and if you meet your state’s work and wage requirements. Each state has different criteria, so it’s important to look into the benefits your state offers. Each state also has a different process for applying for unemployment, which is why it’s important to visit your state-specific website to apply properly. The U.S Department of Labor is a great resource, which sponsors the CareerOneStop program. This has a lot of information and a finder to explore your state’s unemployment offerings. In addition to pointing you in the right direction and the correct places to file, these sites offer great resources to help you navigate unemployment.
Whether you’re supporting a family, a spouse, or yourself, being out of a job is a high-stress scenario that many Americans face every day. To keep people on their feet and secure, every state offers unemployment benefits and it’s important to understand how those benefits can assist in ensuring your financial security. These benefits are typically available for up to 26 weeks and they can make all the difference. Be sure to learn what benefits you’re eligible for and visit the proper website to earn your unemployment benefits and the peace of mind that comes with them.