How to Qualify for Unemployment
Legally speaking, unemployment is when people are without a job and have conducted some sort of job search within the last month. Whether you are laid off by a company for which you have worked for a decade or let go by a job whose work is seasonal, there are a number of ways to qualify for unemployment. The intricacies of unemployment can become a bit confusing, so it is important to know where you stand. There is no reason to go through the entire process of filing for unemployment if you will not qualify.
First, check the specific laws in your state regarding unemployment. The unemployment laws vary from state to state, so the final ruling regarding your status will come from there. Typically speaking, you must have left your job "through no fault of your own." This means being laid off, and not fired, will result in being able to collect unemployment. Someone who gets laid off has lost their job due to reasons beyond their control, while those who get fired have lost their job because of some sort of work performance issue.
Of course, there are times when you can still collect unemployment after being fired. All states are different, but some state offices will let you explain your case to them regarding your dismissal. If you can show that you were fired for a faulty reason, there is a chance you can still collect unemployment checks. Most states handle quitting a job in much the same way as getting fired. If you can prove there was a solid reason for quitting, such as an unsafe work environment, you can still qualify for unemployment.
While on unemployment, you must prove you are searching for a new job in order to remain on unemployment. You will have to provide your local workforce center with evidence of job applications so they know you are not simply collecting unemployment checks without trying to find a new job.
