Jane Dotson
Unemployment insurance provides temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who lose their jobs or are out of work through no fault of their own. In the US, the Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program is a joint initiative between the federal government and individual states, with each state administering its own program within federal guidelines. Eligibility criteria, benefits amounts, and payment methods vary by state, so it is important to check the specific requirements for your state. Applications can usually be made online, by phone, or in person, and typically involve providing proof of identity, employment status, and earnings history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who provides unemployment insurance? | The Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program provides unemployment benefits. Each state administers a separate program but follows the same guidelines established by federal law. |
| Who is eligible? | Eligibility is determined by state law. You must be unemployed through no fault of your own and meet other eligibility requirements. |
| How to apply | File a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked. Claims may be filed in person, by telephone, or online. |
| How long does it take? | It generally takes two to three weeks to receive the first benefit check after filing a claim. |
| Payment methods | You may receive your benefits by direct deposit or debit card. |
| Additional support | The U.S. Department of Labor provides access to employment and job training services, career planning, and guidance through American Job Centers. |
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What You'll Learn
State-specific eligibility requirements
Each state in the US has its own unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines. While federal law does not require an employee to resign to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19, state laws determine whether an individual is unemployed through no fault of their own.
In Massachusetts, for instance, workers must be authorised to work in the US and have earned at least $6,300 during the last four completed calendar quarters. They must also earn at least 30 times the weekly benefit amount they are eligible to collect. Similarly, in California, individuals must have a Social Security number or be authorised to work in the US, and have earned enough wages during the base period, which is a specific 12-month period. They must also be physically able and available to work, and actively looking for work.
In most states, individuals must have separated from their last job due to a lack of available work. They must also meet the work and wage requirements during an established period, usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before the claim is filed. Some states require claimants to register for work with the State Employment Services, which can assist them in finding employment.
Additionally, some states offer specialised federal programs that enable people who are temporarily without work for specific reasons to collect benefits. For example, workers whose jobs have been interrupted due to a disaster declared by the President are eligible for benefits for up to 26 weeks after the incident.
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Online applications
Unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers. Each state administers a separate unemployment insurance program, but all states follow the same guidelines established by federal law. To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked. Depending on the state, claims may be filed in person, by telephone, or online.
New York State
To apply for unemployment insurance in New York State, sign in and create a NY.gov ID account. After that, follow the instructions to "file a claim." If you have never filed a claim for benefits in New York State before, you must create a PIN. You must certify your eligibility for benefits weekly online or over the phone to receive benefits.
Massachusetts
To file a claim online in Massachusetts, create a MyMassGov personal account and link it to Unemployment Services. Log in to the Unemployment Services system using your MyMassGov account. Read the claimant agreement, check the box stating you've read it, and select Next. When prompted, enter your Social Security number and date of birth, then select Next. Proceed with the application by following the prompts. For every week that you are unemployed and wish to receive unemployment benefits, you must file a weekly claim.
Texas
In Texas, you can apply for unemployment benefits using the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) online Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS). You can also use UBS to request payments, view claim and payment status, and more. If TWC requests your Work Search Log information, you can submit it through UBS. If you cannot submit it on UBS, you can upload your work search log by following the instructions on the TWC website.
Washington
In Washington, you can apply for unemployment benefits online in eServices. You can apply online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Use a laptop or desktop computer, as the online form is not designed for mobile devices. You can save your information at any time during the process, but the system will time out after 15 minutes of inactivity and will not keep any unsaved information.
General Information
Regardless of the state, you should apply for unemployment insurance as soon as you lose your job. Generally, it takes two to three weeks after filing a claim to receive your first benefit check. To qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, you must have worked and earned enough wages in covered employment. You will need to provide personal information, including your Social Security number, date of birth, home address, email address, and phone number. You will also need information about your employment history, such as the names and addresses of your former employers.
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Phone applications
Unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers. Each state administers a separate unemployment insurance program, but all states follow the same guidelines established by federal law. To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked. Depending on the state, claims may be filed in person, by telephone, or online.
In Texas, you can apply for unemployment benefits by calling the Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 during regular business hours and speaking to customer service. Additional languages are available upon request.
In Massachusetts, the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides a TeleCert Line at (617) 626-6338, where you can request weekly benefits. They also have a Payment Status Line at (617) 626-6563, which you can call to check your claim or benefit payment status.
In North Carolina, you can apply for unemployment benefits by calling 888-737-0259.
In New York, you can file for unemployment insurance by calling the Telephone Claims Center at 1-888-783-1370. Translation services are available if you need assistance in a language other than English.
In Washington, you can apply for unemployment benefits by calling 800-318-6022, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have a hearing or speech disability, you can use the Washington Relay Service 711.
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In-person applications
In the United States, unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers. Each state administers a separate unemployment insurance program, but all states follow the same guidelines established by federal law. To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked. Depending on the state, claims may be filed in person, by telephone, or online.
If you are in Massachusetts, you can visit the Boston Re-Employment Center to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and appointments are required. Multilingual call agents are available. You can also call the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) at (617) 626-6338 to request weekly benefits or (617) 626-6563 to check your claim or benefit payment status.
For those in New York, the best way to apply for unemployment insurance is online. You can sign in and create a NY.gov ID account, then follow the instructions to "file a claim." If you have never filed a claim for benefits in New York State before, you must create a PIN. You can also apply over the phone by calling the New York State Department of Labor.
If you are in Texas, you can apply for unemployment benefits through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) online Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS). You will need a valid UBS User ID and password. If you are new to UBS, you must wait 30 minutes after creating your User ID and password before submitting an online payment.
In North Carolina, you can file an in-person unemployment insurance claim by taking the required paperwork to a participating U.S. post office. You can also file your claim online through ID.me or by calling the Federal Employment UI Hotline at 855-435-7969.
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Payment methods
Unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers. Each state administers a separate unemployment insurance program, but all states follow the same guidelines established by federal law. Each state also sets its own unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines.
To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked. Depending on the state, claims may be filed in person, by telephone, or online.
If you qualify for unemployment insurance, you will be asked whether you want to receive your benefits by direct deposit or debit card. Direct deposit is an electronic transfer of your weekly unemployment insurance payments into your bank checking account. It offers increased convenience and allows you to access your funds via your bank account. You can have your benefits electronically deposited into your checking account as long as your financial institution participates in the direct deposit program.
If you apply over the phone, you will automatically receive your benefits via debit card unless you had a previous claim and received them by direct deposit. By default, you will receive your benefits via paper check, mailed to your address. It is recommended that you select direct deposit as your payment method instead of a paper check.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply for unemployment insurance in the state where you worked. You can file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in that state.
You must meet the state's requirements for wages earned or time worked during a "base period." You must also be unemployed through no fault of your own and meet other eligibility requirements of state law.
You can apply for unemployment insurance online, by phone, or in person. You can also apply through your state's official website or through the U.S. Department of Labor website.
You will need to provide personal information such as your Social Security number and date of birth. You may also need to provide proof of employment, such as pay stubs or other documents.
It generally takes two to three weeks after filing a claim to receive the first benefit check. Some states require a one-week waiting period, so the second week claimed is the first week of payment.
