Unemployment benefits are a state sponsored program that provides workers who have lost their job (usually due to layoff or company downsizing) with a small cash benefit to help with loss of income. Unemployment insurance has been designed to assist workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. These benefits are 100 percent funded by employers through payroll taxes. If you are suddenly out of a job your first question may be: How do I file for unemployment benefits? With the advent of today's technology it is easier than ever to apply for unemployment. Most states now provide unemployment insurance information online. It is important to know that benefits are not based on financial need. Although weekly benefits will not completely replace your regular earnings, they can help to meet expenses until you find a new job. Most states recommend that you apply for unemployment benefits during the first week you become unemployed. This way the time between losing income and before you receive benefits is lessened. It is also important to understand that the state unemployment agency decides if you are eligible for unemployment benefits based on your employment history and the reason you became unemployed.

Requirements for unemployment benefits
There are certain qualifications that you must meet upfront that will help determine if you are eligible for unemployment benefits. While this may vary slightly from state to state generally the requirement are as follows:

• You must have 680 hours of covered employment in your base year to meet the initial requirements to qualify for a claim. So if you are let go from a fairly new job you may not qualify.
• You will need to give the reason you became unemployed. Generally you are only eligible if you have lost your job through no fault of your own. In other words you are probably eligible if your employer laid you off for lack of work. If you have left for other reasons the state agency you are working with will have to make a decision about your eligibility if you voluntarily quit your job, were fired or suspended by your employer, or are on a leave of absence.
• It is important to keep in mind that the state agency you are working with will get information about your separation from both you and your employer. You and your employer will both have an opportunity to respond to each other's version of the separation. The agency will then issue a written decision based on the information that is gathered.
• The claimant must be physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking suitable work. There are certain requirement that each claimant must fulfill (generally weekly) in terms of recorded attempts to seek work. Failure to do so can result in the termination of benefits.

Unemployment benefits for corporate officers
There are certin employeees who are not eligible for unemployment benefits even if they meet the above requirements. A new law states that corporate officers are no longer eligible for unemployment benefits if they or their corporate officer family members are shareholders in the corporation and that corporation is still in business. This includes all corporations that have elected unemployment coverage. There are certain considerations for corporate officers who become unemployed. You are eligible for benefits if you are a corporate officer who has lost their job and you meet the following criteria:

• You do not own at least 10 percent of the stock in the corporation.
• You have permanently resigned or are permanently removed as an officer.
• You are an officer for a corporation that goes out of business.
• You are not eligible for unemployment benefits if:
• You are a corporate officer who owns at least 10 percent of stock in the corporation.
• You are related to another officer who owns at least 10 percent of stock in the corporation, even if the unemployed officer is otherwise eligible.
• You remain a corporate officer even if no wages are being paid.

To begin the filing for unemployment benefits
Simply go to the web and type in Department of Labor to gain access to the correct site then proceed through the following steps:
1. Read the fact sheet to find out if you are eligible and how to file for benefits.
2. Then find your state of residence in the Directory of Workforce Development Agencies. Here you will find a link to the state agency that handles unemployment claims.
3. Click on that link and the site will describe how to complete the process. Depending on where you live you may be able to apply for benefits online or if that is not available you will need to apply in person.

Filing for unemployment online
The ease of filing for unemployment benefits online means that you will be saved the hassle and the time of filing in person all without having to visit an unemployment office. In some states, unemployed workers can even apply for unemployment benefits over the phone. For example, in New York unemployed workers can visit their Unemployment Services web site to file a new unemployment claim, claim weekly benefits, or check on the status of an existing unemployment compensation claim. New York also provides the option of filing by phone. California is another state where unemployed workers can also file an Unemployment Insurance claim by completing an online form. In addition, there is a form that can printed out, completed, and mailed or faxed, as well as a toll free number for workers to call to file for unemployment via the telephone.

Before filing your claim
Once you have checked with your state unemployment office to determine the best way to open a claim the next step is to make sure that you have all the pertinent information readily at hand. While requirements may vary from state to state here is a sampling of the information you will need to have available when filing for unemployment:

• Your current mailing address, including zip code and phone number-This is important not just for receiving your check but workers will want to verify your contact information.
• Social Security number-When dealing with any government agency this is your identifier.
• Driver's License number (if you have one)-This is also another way to prove state residency but is not required to receive unemployment benefits.
• Veteran/Military separation date-You will only need this if it is applicable.
• Mother's maiden name-This information is used for security and access purposes only.
• Name, address, phone number of your last employer-The unemployment office will use this information to verify your employment status.
• Employer's Federal ID Number (from your W2 form or pay stub)-This is also used for verification information.
• Date started and date ended employment along with how much you earned-This information will help determine how much you will receive in unemployment benefits.
• Previous employer information-This information will be asked depending on how long you worked for your last employer. Typically, employer information for the last two years is requested to establish the validity of your claim.

Claimant questions
There are also questions that the claimant will be asked directly. You may be asked whether you want taxes withheld from your unemployment check Keep in mind that while you do not have to take out taxes you may need to pay taxes later since unemployment benefits are taxable. You will also be asked if you are owed vacation or holiday pay. In addition, the unemployment office will want to know the real reason you left the job. The criteria for unemployment eligibility usually includes being out of work because of no fault of your own. If you have quit or if there are questions about your termination, the application process may be more complicated. Keep in mind though that if your claim is denied, there is an appeals process. Claimants may also be asked to create a user name and/or password in order to login to their account to file for unemployment benefits.

After you have filed your claim
Once you have processed your claim online you will get a confirmation page after you hit the "Submit" button on the last page of the application. Reaching this page means that your application was accepted. It will also provide important information that you are responsible for reading and understanding. If you have any questions about the information, it is important that you call your state agency and speak with a claims specialist. You may also receive verification by e-mail that your application was received, if you gave your state agency your e-mail address and permission to correspond with you. Then you should watch your mail. You will generally receive a packet of information, including a statement of the wages and hours that were used to set up your claim. The confirmation page also contains information on how and when to file your weekly claims and when you will begin receiving benefits. You will want to print a copy of the confirmation page for your records. You can print the page before you click on the "I Accept" button at the bottom of the page. If you do not have a printer, you can also view the confirmation page online.

Checking back with unemployment
Once you have filed the initial claim for unemployment benefits, you will be able to go to your account each week and apply for benefits. Claimants can also check on the status of the claim to see when checks were mailed and to review how much unemployment compensation is left in their account.