How To Apply For Unemployment 

Not much is more stressful than the financial uncertainty that follows a job loss. Currently compounding the problem is the coronavirus. COVID-19 has forced massive numbers of additional workers into sudden and unexpected unemployment. In many cases, businesses have been ordered to drastically alter their normal operating procedures, and many have closed their doors entirely, as least temporarily. 

If you find yourself at home and facing the prospect of no job for the foreseeable future, there are resources available to help you out. To get you started, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions regarding unemployment benefits.

Who qualifies for unemployment benefits?
If you’ve lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for benefits. If you got fired or quit voluntarily, you may not be able to receive unemployment benefits. The states run their own programs and different states have different eligibility requirements. You can use this map to find out what the eligibility requirements are in your state.

Congress has approved a stimulus bill that, among other things, addresses the unemployment or furlough situation many Americans find themselves in. Once it is signed into law, the states will have new options regarding who is approved for benefits. These include:


  • Employees who are prevented from working because the employer temporarily halted operations due to COVID-19

  • Employees who are quarantined, but intend to return to work once their quarantine period ends

  • Employees who leave their place of employment because of the risk of infection

  • Employees who leave their place of employment to care for a family member

  • Employees who have had their hours reduced and part-time workers

  • Employees who just started a job and were laid off because of COVID-19 and don’t have sufficient work history to get benefits under normal circumstances

  • A non-working family member relying on the income of the breadwinner who has died of coronavirus


The stimulus bill has expanded the benefits program to include furloughed employees, freelancers, and gig workers (Uber drivers, for instance, are gig workers).

Individuals who can work from home, are on paid sick leave or paid family leave are not covered under the stimulus bill. Individuals just entering the workforce who haven’t found jobs yet are not covered.

How do I apply for unemployment?
You must apply to your state of residence. You can apply online or over the phone. Applying in person is not an option in many states at this time. You should be prepared to wait if you decide to apply over the phone because unemployment offices have been overwhelmed with individuals trying to get through.

Applying online is the simplest and fastest way to get your unemployment checks started. You will have to go to your state of residence and set up an account. Setting up an account requires filling out basic information, such as your name and email address. You’ll have to create a password and agree to the terms and conditions. 

Because of the sheer number of individuals trying to apply for unemployment at the present time, you may experience some difficulties. Websites are slow, and some are crashing. If you have trouble, wait a while and try again. You might try applying late at night when the sites are less busy. 

Before you apply, you need to have documentation and other required information available. To complete the application, you will need the following:



  • Full name

  • Date of birth

  • Address

  • Social Security Number

  • 18 months of employment history

  • Names and addresses of employers for the last 18 months

  • Reason for job ending

  • Most recent income

  • Bank account information to receive benefits


In addition, you should have your Social Security card, driver’s license, W-2s and pay stubs handy. If you have any documents regarding your layoff, have them handy as well.

How much money will I get?
Before the stimulus bill, the average benefit check was $385 a week. The stimulus bill directs the federal government to increase that amount by $600 a week for 4 months. You must check with your state of residence to find out what the actual amount of your benefit check will be.

You must report your unemployment benefits as income when you file your taxes. You aren’t required to have income taxes taken out of your checks, but most prefer that to an unpleasant surprise when April 15 rolls around.

How long does it take to start receiving checks?
Before the coronavirus hit, it generally took two or three weeks after you filed for unemployment to start receiving your checks. Even though states have been asked to waive any one week waiting period, unemployment offices are flooded with applications. Processing all of them will take time.

How do I stay eligible?
Depending on where you live, you may have to make a weekly or biweekly claim. You have to report any money you made during the week and report any employment offers. Note: Due to restrictions placed on many Americans because of the coronavirus, you may not have to be actively seeking employment to keep receiving your benefits.

How will I receive my money?
You can have your benefit check deposited into your bank account directly. If you don't have a bank account, you can opt to have the funds put on a debit card.

How long do the benefits last?
Before the stimulus bill, benefits lasted anywhere from 12 to 28 weeks depending on the state. The majority of states offer 6 months of unemployment benefits. Under the stimulus bill, benefits would be extended by 13 weeks. The federal government would fully fund the additional 13 weeks.

The expanded benefits are available for workers eligible for benefits on January 27, 2020, through December 31, 2020.

What happens when my unemployment benefits run out?
If you haven’t found employment by the time your benefits run out, you may be eligible for extended benefits. You should contact your local unemployment office for more information.

What happens if I’m denied?
There are several reasons why applications are rejected, although some rules have been relaxed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Normally, you can be denied benefits for the following reasons:



  • Quitting your job without just cause. Depending on where you live, there are certain circumstances under which you can quit and still get unemployment benefits.

  • Being fired for work-related misconduct. Misconduct includes any intentional misdeed or one over which you had control that adversely affects your employer, or failure to act in such a way that deliberately disregards the interests of your employer.

  • Not being available to work or able to work. You must be ready, willing, and able to work.

  • Refusing a job offer without cause

  • Intentionally making false statements to obtain unemployment benefits


If you are denied benefits for any reason, you have the right to appeal. Your employer can also file an appeal if he or she doesn’t agree with the findings of the state. There is a timeframe in which you must respond.