| p>First of all, unemployment is not welfare; it is | | | | eligible. |
| insurance. You paid into it, and if you are entitled | | | | If you believe you may be entitled to collect |
| to it, darn Skippy you should take it. | | | | unemployment benefits, you should absolutely file |
| The questions you need to ask yourself are | | | | a claim. You and your former employer have |
| these: | | | | been paying into this fund. Now you need it. Take |
| 1) Was I fired through any fault of my own? | | | | it! If you paid into health insurance you'd file a |
| If the answer is "no" or "debatable," then continue | | | | claim if you got sick, right? Same thing here. One |
| reading. If the answer is something like, "Yes, I | | | | more time: Unemployment benefits are not |
| got frustrated and destroyed my work computer | | | | welfare, they are insurance, and you should not |
| with an axe," just stop reading now because | | | | feel the least bit guilty about collecting if you are |
| you're probably not eligible. | | | | legitimately entitled to collect. |
| 2) Am I making money now through business | | | | Even if you don't think you qualify, you should still |
| activity or part-time employment? | | | | file a claim (unless you smashed your work |
| If the answer is "no," keep reading. If the answer | | | | computer to bits with an axe). If nothing else, it |
| is "yes," you might still be eligible in many states, | | | | can help clear the air on the circumstances of |
| depending on how much you're making. | | | | your dismissal. |
| 3) Am I actively looking for work? | | | | Don't leave money on the table! |
| We should hope so. If not, you're definitely not | | | | |