How To File For An Unemployment Claim in 2023

The unemployment rate wasn’t so high before covid – during the period, however, it skyrocketed. Today, businesses are opening back up but many are still unemployed.

For these sets of persons, filing employment claims/or benefits should suffice. However, some people just find it difficult to file for unemployment. Or they just don’t know-how.

These enigmas we will try to demystify in this article. We will be discussing how to file for an unemployment claim and lots more. Before then, look at the stats below…

According to the Bureau of labor statistics, total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 235,000 in August, and the unemployment rate declined by 0.2 percentage points to 5.2 percent.

So far this year, monthly job growth has averaged 586,000. In August, notable job gains occurred in professional and business services, transportation and warehousing, private education, manufacturing, and other services.

Whereas, employment in retail trade declined over the month. For these sets of persons in the retail sector, filing an unemployment claim will help them stay afloat until they secure another job.

Now, the big question is, What is an Unemployment claim? We will get to it shortly, meanwhile, take a look at our table of content for a summary of this article.

What is an Unemployment Claim?

According to Investopedia, the term unemployment claim refers to the request for cash benefits made by an individual after they are laid off from their job. Claims are filed through state governments for temporary payments after people lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

An unemployment claim is a request for monetary compensation made by an employee after being laid off or for other circumstances covered by the law, such as the COVID-19 epidemic.

Employees who lose their jobs due to no fault of their own may be eligible for unemployment compensation.
States pay unemployment insurance by collecting payments from employers, while the federal government covers administrative expenditures.

Individuals who are eligible for benefits can get up to 26 weeks of payments if they file regular claims.

Unemployment payments for people who were laid off during the COVID-19 outbreak will expire on September 5, 2023.

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Eligibility to file for Unemployment

Each state sets its own unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines, but you usually qualify if you:

  • Are unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means you have to have separated from your last job due to a lack of available work.
  • Meet work and wage requirements. You must meet your state’s requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a “base period.” (In most states, this is usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before the time that your claim is filed.)
  • Meet any additional state requirements. Find details of your own state’s program.

If you’re on the verge of filing for employment, you should make out time and check: Commission Based Jobs Descriptions | Pros and Cons

Types of Unemployment Claim/Benefits

We’d be looking at two unemployment categories and their eligibility requirements to help you ascertain which one of them you’re qualified for.

Unemployment Insurance

To qualify for or be able to file for this category of unemployment claim, you must have received a W-2 and should meet the following requirements.

  • You are fully or partially unemployed because of a layoff, furlough, reduced wages, or reduced hours.
  • You and your family are impacted by school closures.
  • Your unemployment claim expired.

You can get an idea of what your benefit will be by using the UI Benefit Calculator. Click the button below to use the calculator.

Calculator

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

This category of unemployment benefits is for self-employed workers, business owners, and independent contractors that received only a 1099 tax form last year.

If you’re one of these people and your business was affected by the Covid-19, you’re eligible to file unemployment claims if you meet these requirements:

  • You had an official date to begin work, but the job is no longer available, or you could not reach the job as a direct result of COVID-19.
  • Unable to travel to your job as a direct result of COVID-19.
  • You quit your job as a direct result of COVID-19.
  • Your workplace is closed as a direct result of COVID-19.
  • You are unemployed, partially employed, or unable to work because COVID-19 has forced you to stop work

You could also file for unemployment under this category if you meet the following conditions:

  • If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms and are seeking a medical diagnosis.
  • A member of your household has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • You are caring for a family member or a member of your household who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • You and your family are impacted by school closures.
  • Your healthcare provider has told you to self-quarantine because of COVID-19.
  • You have become the main income provider due to a COVID-19 death in your household.

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How to File for Unemployment Claim

You must file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked in order to collect unemployment benefits. Claims can be filed in person, over the phone, or online, depending on the state.

  • You should contact your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.
  • Generally, you should file your claim with the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency where you now live can provide information about how to file your claim with other states.
  • When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your former employment. To make sure your claim is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information.
  • It generally takes two to three weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check.

You must also follow these steps to ensure you’re on the right track:

Step 1: Eligibility

Like we said earlier, you need to be eligible to file for unemployment. If you’re not sure, but you’re out of a job, apply anyway!

Complete the application as best you can, and we will follow up with you as soon as possible.

Step 2: Apply

Due to the high volume of calls that the centers will be receiving, it’s advised you apply online to expedite the process for you.

When applying, the system will time out after 15 minutes to protect your security. Apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We suggest you use a laptop or desktop computer—not a mobile device or tablet.

Good luck.

Step 3: After you apply

We will notify you if your application has been approved and let you know how much money you will receive and what to do next. You will also be notified if you are not approved.

Other important information

  • Submit your weekly claims.
  • Report honestly.
  • Watch for and read any information we send you. If you chose to receive information via eServices, we will email you when there’s new information that requires your attention. This information may be time sensitive and affect your eligibility for benefits.
  • Sign up for direct deposit or a debit card to receive your weekly benefits faster and more securely.
  • Start your job search.
  • Read the Unemployed Worker Handbook to learn about the requirements.

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Step 4: Look for work

Usually, people receiving unemployment benefits are required to look for work and document their search. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the governor, with support from the Legislature, suspended the job search requirement at the start of the pandemic. The suspension has been extended ever since.

With the economy recovering, the job search requirement is back. This means you will be required to look for work and document at least three approved job search activities each week in order to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.

When do job search requirements go back into effect?

  • Week of July 4 – Required to look for work to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.
  • As of Aug. 8 – Required to enter the details of your job search activities when submitting your weekly claim online.
    • Important: Keep a record of your job search activities in case we ask to see

Guidance on Unemployment Insurance Flexibilities During COVID-19 Outbreak

NOTE: Check with your state’s unemployment insurance program regarding the rules in your state.

Federal law permits significant flexibility for states to amend their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits in multiple scenarios related to COVID-19. For example, federal law provides states flexibility to pay benefits where:

  1. An employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19, preventing employees from coming to work;
  2. An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over; and
  3. An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member.

How to File for Unemployment in NYS

An unemployment claim is a request for monetary compensation made by an employee after being laid off or for other circumstances covered by the law, such as the COVID-19 epidemic.

Employees who lose their jobs due to no fault of their own may be eligible for unemployment compensation.
States pay unemployment insurance by collecting payments from employers, while the federal government covers administrative expenditures.

Individuals who are eligible for benefits can get up to 26 weeks of payments if they file regular claims.

Unemployment payments for people who were laid off during the COVID-19 outbreak will expire on September 5, 2023.

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Conclusion

To file for unemployment isn’t a herculean task, however, some persons still find it a bit difficult to accomplish. For this set of people, writing this article became necessary.

If you’ve read to this point, we hope the article was useful in helping you understand the various steps you must take, and of course the requirements you must meet before you file for unemployment claims.

References

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