If you have to file a claim for unemployment benefits you should now that you no longer have to go down to the unemployment office and file in person. Many states now allow you to file for unemployment benefits over the phone or on the internet. Regardless of how you file, there are basic steps that you need to take to apply for unemployment benefits.

Here are the steps you need to follow to apply for unemployment benefits.

Step one:
You need to file during the first week that you become unemployed or even partially unemployed. You do not want to delay filing even if you do not have your layoff notice or you think that you might not be eligible for unemployment benefits. One of the reasons that you need to file as soon as you become unemployed is because you will not be paid for the weeks prior to your filing unemployment. The only way you can be paid for the weeks that you were unemployed before you filed for unemployment is if it is determined through a hearing process that you had a good cause for filing late. The second reason that you want to make sure that you file as soon as possible is because it takes about two to three weeks to receive a benefit check. To make sure that you get your check as soon as possible you want to start the process as soon as you can.

Step two:
To find the unemployment office in your state all you need to do is type into an internet search engine "filing for unemployment benefits" and the name of the state that you live in. Once directed to your state's page you will be able to find out if you can apply over the phone or online or if you are going to have to go into your local unemployment office to apply for unemployment benefits.

Step three:
One problem that people come across with applying for unemployment benefits is moving to a different state after they have become unemployed. The process for applying for unemployment benefits can vary if you live in one state, but worked in another. What you will need to do is contact the unemployment office in the state where you live first to find out if you are eligible in that state to collect unemployment benefits. If you cannot collect unemployment benefits in your home state, they will point you in the right direction by giving you the proper unemployment office to file in.

Step four:
While the requirements are going to vary from one state to the next, in order to apply for unemployment benefits, you are going to need to provide some information. For a detailed list on how to apply for unemployment benefits in your state, you will need to check with your state's unemployment office. Here is a list of the information that you are going to need in every state to file for unemployment benefits:

• Mailing address, this is going to include your zip code and your phone number
• Social Security number
• Driver's License number, if you have a driver's license. Otherwise you will need another state approved ID to provide proof of identity.
• If you are veteran or have recently separated from the military you will need your separation date
• For security purposes and access purposes you are going to need to have your mother's maiden name
• Name, address, and phone number of your last employer
• Using your W-2 or your pay stub you need to get your employer's Federal ID Number
• The date you started working for that employer and your last day of work for the employer
• Your hourly wage or your salary
• You will also need your previous employer information, especially if you had not been employed with your last employer for at least two years. The reason for this is that you need to provide employment information for the last two years when applying for unemployment benefits.

You can still file a claim even if you do not have all of the documents that are required. The only set back is that not having the proper documents can cause a delay in receiving your first payment.

Step five:
As the claimant, you are going to be asked a variety of questions on your unemployment benefits form. Most of these questions are going to be used to determine if you are eligible for unemployment benefits or if your employer owes you any money. Here are some questions that you will be asked on your application form:

• Are you owed vacation or holiday pay?
• Why you left your job? This is important because in order to be eligible for unemployment you have to be out of work due to no cause of your own. This means you cannot quit your job without good cause or be fired for misconduct. Most people who collect unemployment have been laid off because of lack of work. If your claim is denied, there is an appeals process so you can plead your case.

Step six:
If you will be applying for benefits over the phone or on the internet, you will need to create a user name and a password to access your account. This will allow you to log-in to your account each week and file for your unemployment benefits.

Step seven:
Once your initial claim has been approved, you will need to file for unemployment benefits each week. You can do this over the phone, on the internet or through the mail. A form must be submitted each week verifying that you are still unemployed and that you are actively looking for work.

Step eight:
Some states are going to require that you register with the state job service to seek employment. This will provide you with job leads that you can follow up on to help you become employed again. Other unemployment offices will require you to place so many applications a week, or go to so many job interviews a week in order to continue receiving unemployment benefits. Another stipulation that the state job service puts on collecting unemployment is that you must be ready, willing, available, and able to work once you are offered a job. You cannot turn down any positions that meet the standards set by the state job service.

Step nine:
Once you have found a new job you will have to notify the unemployment office as soon as possible. You will need to provide them with the date you will start working so that they can stop your unemployment benefits at the proper time.

Other tips on unemployment benefits:

• When applying for unemployment benefits each week through your account you can also check on the status of your claim, see when checks were mailed out, and you can review how much unemployment compensation is left in your account.
• Job service offices are a great resource to help you with your job search. The main reason for that is that they offer job seekers many free services that are designed to help you find a job and make your job search that much easier. Some of the services that they offer are training, job listings, career counseling, resume and cover letter writing help, aptitude tests, and many other useful tools. You can find your state's job service center you can visit America's Service Locator at http://www.servicelocator.org/ All you have to do is enter in your address and zip code and you will get back a list of the closest job services that are available for you to use. Alternatively, you can call 1-877-US-2JOBS to obtain the information by phone.

• If you have further questions on any employment laws, pensions, or any other federal programs you can visit the United States Department of Labor's website at http://www.dol.gov/
• If you have any questions or if you just need more information on unemployment benefits, including questions about the maximum benefit allowed your closest unemployment office or anything else you will need to contact your state's unemployment office. To find your state's unemployment office visit http://jobsearch.about.com/od/unemployment/a/unemploymentoff.htm Once there click on your state and you will be directed to your state's unemployment office website. Here you should be able to find answers to your questions or a phone number that will allow you to call for more information.

Just remember that you are entitled to unemployment benefits if you are out of work through no fault of your own. In addition, the sooner you file for unemployment benefits the better because you will not be able to receive your first check until after the initial claim process has been completed. Unemployment benefits are something that you pay into while you are working, so you should not feel ashamed or embarrassed about collecting it. After all the money was money that you earned at a prior time.