The current unemployment rate is at a 15 year high and the national deficit is totaling around 465 billion dollars. Analysts expect 3 million jobs to be eliminated by the spring of 2010 and the national deficit will be around 1.5 trillion dollars. With so many people losing their jobs, they are seeking unemployment benefits to help them get by.  Unemployment normally supplements 50% of the income an individual was making while they were working.

Unemployment benefits cannot be claimed forever, it is simply a way to alleviate the short-term hardships an individual may face as a result of being laid-off. In order to receive unemployment benefits, an individual must be actively looking for work, currently available to work, or is not working but is willing to work for pay. The unemployment benefits vary for each state, although most states are willing to provide insurance and monthly compensation to individuals that are unemployed due to no fault of their own. Each state is also responsible for determining the benefit length, insurance benefits, and monthly or weekly amount.

Before filing a claim, you must meet the base period that is set forth by your state. The base period normally refers to the wages earned over the time you worked before becoming unemployed. In order to file a claim, you must contact your State unemployment office. Once you become unemployed, it is important to file your claim as soon as possible because it may take several weeks for the claim to be processed and the unemployment checks to start arriving. Some states allow you to file a claim over the internet or via telephone.

The unemployment claim will ask for your personal information and your former employment information. The information will be checked and verified by your former employer. To avoid delays in your approval for unemployment, it is important to accurately fill out the application. Your unemployment claim needs to be filed with the state in which you worked. Once approved, the first benefit check will arrive within 2 to 3 weeks.

Each week you will need to file a claim and report your earnings from other work you may have picked up during that week. There will be a questionnaire that you will need to fill out discussing your efforts toward finding a new job and any job refusals you may have during the week. The questionnaire will vary from state to state and they can be filed by mail or telephone. You must also attend unemployment meetings with your counselor, failure to appear may result in a denial of benefits.

The state unemployment office will help you search for a new job. Some states will require that you meet with the unemployment office to find work in order to continue receiving unemployment benefits. The state unemployment office will also provide training and testing services to help you qualify for other jobs. The counselors can also guide you in finding a job in another field that you may not have tried before.

Individuals that were fired from their job due to other reasons from lack of work may not be eligible to claim unemployment. For example, if you were fired because of tardiness, you will not be eligible for unemployment. The company is still demonstrating a need to have your position filled. With every state, people are allowed to file an appeal if their unemployment benefits are denied. Your former employer may also file an appeal if they do not agree with your eligibility for unemployment.

For most states, the maximum amount of time an individual can claim unemployment benefits is 26 weeks. Some states may allow 52 weeks or longer, depending upon the circumstances of the individual. During times of high unemployment, benefits are extended. The unemployment benefits you receive are subject to Federal income taxes and they must be reported on your tax return.

Unemployment is funded by employers through the payroll taxes. Each employer will pay a portion of their money to the unemployment pool and that money will be distributed to qualified individuals. Unemployment benefits help people fill their monthly payment obligations like mortgages and groceries. The amount you are given usually is no more than $600 per week.

What information will I need in order to file for unemployment?
Before filing for unemployment, you must have 680 hours of covered employment over the past year. You must also provide a written statement about why you became unemployed.

Here are some other things you will need to provide when you file for unemployment:

• The name and address of your last employer and the dates you were employed.
  
• Your social security number.
  
• Your employment information over the last 24 months
  
• The last day you worked before you were let go. If you have been given an "end date" from your employer, you must wait until the next day to file for unemployment.
  
• The exact dates you worked for all your past employers over the past 2 years.

Most claims will become active the Sunday following submission of the application. If your employer disagrees with your unemployment status, your request can be denied. A statement will be sent to you and to your former employer about your unemployment status. You will not be told how much money you will receive. Once you file your claim, the state will send you an estimate of how much you are able to receive. States normally will calculate the amount you receive by taking your earnings over the last 24 months and comparing them to the maximum amount you are eligible to receive.

What is unemployment insurance?
One of the largest concerns people have with unemployment is the loss of their insurance benefits. Families in need of medical attention will need some type of insurance to help them offset the medical costs. Unemployment insurance can be claimed by eligible employees and it can help them pay for their medical expenses. COBRA benefits and Medicaid are the two most common types of health insurance for the unemployed. COBRA is simply a continuation of your regular plan coverage. The COBRA benefits must be offered to each employee that is laid-off. The employee will have 60 days to claim COBRA benefits and pay the premium.

Under the COBRA plan, you are eligible to receive physician care, surgery, prescription drug coverage, dental care, and vision care. Life insurance is not eligible under COBRA benefits and must be purchased through another provider. The amount of time you can claim COBRA benefits will vary upon your job status and state requirements. Normally a beneficiary can only claim COBRA benefits for a maximum of 36 months.

What to do if your unemployment benefits run out
In a poor economy it is tough to find a good job. When your unemployment benefits begin to dwindle down, many people begin panicking. There are alternative options to help you if your unemployment benefits are running out. Here are a few options you have:

• Food stamps
  
• Temporary jobs
  
• Part-time employment
  
• Church assistance
  
• Emergency credit card use

One of the biggest mistakes people make when they lose their job is turning to their credit cards to pay for food and other purchases. When you do not have money coming in, you should never use credit cards, as it will be difficult to pay your monthly amount. Talk to your creditors about lowering your monthly payment if you do have credit card debt.

Food stamps are available for qualified individuals. Ask the unemployment office for help in finding a job or see if they offer training courses that may assist you. Make sure you are receiving all the eligible benefits for unemployment before you start panicking. After your unemployment benefits have run out; start looking for temporary jobs that can help you get by on a monthly or weekly basis. Part-time employment at the supermarket or fast-food restaurants may be a good alternative if you need some money.

Several churches and community organizations provide financial assistance to families that are in need. Even if they cannot provide you with financial assistance, they may be able to provide food and clothing for your family. Churches also provide employment assistance programs for people that are looking for a new job. You may even be able to get a job working for your local church. Ask your religious leader about any job opportunities that may be available. Word-of-mouth is always a great way to find a new job.

A lot of people rely on family support and charity support when they lose their jobs. Families may be able to provide financial assistance, or can co-sign on a loan that will help your family get by until you obtain a new job. If it is close to the holidays, skip expensive Christmas gifts and offer home-made gifts like candies, cookies, and clothing. There is always some type of help available, you just need to be dedicated in looking for it. You need to be actively looking for a new job for at least 75% of your day or more if you expect to find a new job soon.