- All unemployment beneficiaries receive a weekly cash payment. According to federal rules, the amount allocated to each individual is based on his earnings over a recent 52-week period. In most cases, these basic payments may continue for no more than 26 weeks. However, during periods of unusually high unemployment, the federal extended benefits program may offer support to certain claimants for an additional 13 weeks. Some states fund their own supplementary extensions.
- In general, the unemployment insurance program is intended to help people who became unemployed through no fault of their own, although a worker who quit or was fired may receive benefits depending on the circumstances. To establish initial eligibility, claimants must provide information about their employment histories and be actively seeking work. Continuation of payments is not automatic; claimants must regularly update their information, keep looking for jobs and comply with any additional requirements imposed by their state.
- Initial unemployment claims can be filed in person, over the phone, by postal mail or online at the unemployment agency in most states. There may be different rules for filing updates. To qualify for continued benefits and/or extensions, recipients may be required to attend interviews and classes in addition to reporting any new job offers or earnings. After a claim is processed, some states impose a one-week waiting period before issuing a recipient's first check.
- State officials have the authority to deny and/or discontinue both basic and extended benefits. These decisions may be based on either federal or state laws. For example, it is a federal requirement that a claimant must exhaust regular unemployment benefits before qualifying for extended benefits. But some states impose additional restrictions or cap the total amount of payments their residents can receive. In the case of a denial or discontinuation, all claimants have a right to appeal.
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