| File For Unemployment: Now You Can File Online | | | | How much you earned |
| If you have been laid off from your job you may | | | | Previous employer information, depending on how |
| be able to file for unemployment online without | | | | long you worked for your last employer. Typically, |
| visiting an unemployment office. In many states, | | | | employer information for the last two years is |
| unemployed workers can apply for unemployment | | | | requested. |
| benefits online or over the phone. | | | | Claimant Questions |
| In New York, for example, a laid off person can | | | | You may be asked whether you want taxes |
| file a new unemployment claim, claim weekly | | | | withheld from your unemployment check. You |
| benefits, or check on the status of an existing | | | | also may be asked if you are owed vacation or |
| unemployment compensation claim. Filing by phone | | | | holiday pay. In addition, the unemployment office |
| is also an option. California unemployed workers, | | | | will want to know the reason you left the job. |
| as another example, can also file an | | | | The criteria for unemployment eligibility includes |
| Unemployment Insurance claim by completing an | | | | being out of work because of no fault of your |
| online form. In addition, there is a form that can | | | | own. If you quit or if there are questions on your |
| printed out, completed, and mailed or faxed, as | | | | termination, the application process may be more |
| well as a toll free number to call to file for | | | | complicated. However, if your claim is denied, |
| unemployment via the telephone. | | | | there is an appeals process. |
| Before you file, check with your state | | | | Claimants will also be asked to create a user |
| unemployment office to determine the best way | | | | name and/or password in order to login to their |
| to open a claim. Requirements may vary from | | | | account to file for unemployment benefits. |
| state to state, but, here is a sampling of the | | | | Filing for Benefits |
| information you will need to have available when | | | | Once you have filed your initial claim for |
| filing for unemployment: | | | | unemployment benefits, you will be able to go to |
| Mailing address, including zip code and phone | | | | your account each week and apply for benefits. |
| number | | | | Claimants can also check on the status of the |
| Social Security number | | | | claim to see when checks were mail and to |
| Driver's License number (if you have one) | | | | review how much unemployment compensation is |
| Veteran/Military separation date | | | | left in your account. |
| Mother's maiden name (for security/access | | | | Have a question or need more information? |
| purposes) | | | | Contact your state unemployment office. You |
| Name, address, phone number of your last | | | | may find the information you need online or you |
| employer | | | | will be able to find a phone number to call for |
| Employer's Federal ID Number (from your W2 | | | | assistance. |
| form or pay stub) | | | | And if you're unemployed and haven't already |
| Date started and date ended employment | | | | done so, by all means - file for unemployment. |