Unemployment benefits | USAGov (2024)

Unemployment insurance pays you money if you lose your job through no fault of your own. Learn how to apply and where to find eligibility rules.

How to apply for unemployment benefits

There is not a federal unemployment program. Each state manages its own unemployment insurance program and pays benefits.

Select your state on this map to learn how to file for unemployment.

If you live and worked in different states, file for unemployment in the state where you worked.

Eligibility for unemployment benefits

States set eligibility rules for unemployment benefits. Select your state on this map to find the eligibility rules for unemployment benefits. When deciding if you get benefits, many states require that you:

  • Earned at least a certain amount within the last 12-24 months
  • Worked consistently for the last 12-24 months
  • Look for a new job

Learn how to keep your health coverage temporarily

COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, lets qualified workers keep their group health insurance for a limited time after a change in eligibility. Visit USAGov’s page on COBRA insurance.

Protect yourself from unemployment scams

Scammers are filing unemployment benefits using other people's names and personal information.Visit the unemployment scams page and learn how to protect yourself and your benefits from this type of identity theft.

LAST UPDATED: December 18, 2023

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Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

Unemployment benefits | USAGov (2024)

FAQs

What disqualifies you from unemployment in New Jersey? ›

There are a variety of reasons why an applicant may be disqualified from receiving New Jersey unemployment benefits, which include voluntarily leaving their employment, committing misconduct, gross misconduct and failing to apply for or to accept suitable work.

What disqualifies you from unemployment in Utah? ›

Some examples of issues that may affect eligibility for UI benefits include: Reason for job separation. Ability and availability to work full-time. Actively seeking full-time work.

What disqualifies you from unemployment in Nevada? ›

The Employment Security Division will interview you and your employer to determine if you are legally “at fault” for losing your job. The terminology that is used is “discharged” for misconduct” or “voluntary quit”. If you lose your job for either of these reasons, you are not eligible for benefits.

Can I collect unemployment if I was fired in NJ? ›

If you were fired, you will have a fact-finding interview either by phone or email to determine your eligibility. The examiner may request certain documentation as supporting evidence of your separation. The examiner will determine if you are entitled to benefits based on Unemployment Insurance laws and regulations.

Does unemployment contact your employer in NJ? ›

When you file a claim for benefits, the state will contact your former employer. It will want to ensure that you meet the requirements to collect unemployment benefits. In New Jersey, you will be eligible for unemployment benefits if you meet the following requirements: 1.

Can you claim unemployment if you are fired in Utah? ›

If I resign or I am terminated from my job, will I be eligible to receive unemployment benefits? Unemployment benefits are only paid to those who have become unemployed through no fault of their own, and are willing and able to accept full time work.

What can disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Minnesota? ›

Examples of discharges that could potentially make an applicant ineligible are: Continued, unexcused absences and/or tardiness. Using drugs or alcohol on the job. Breaking company rules.

What is a good cause for unemployment in Utah? ›

Code 994-405-102. To establish good cause, a claimant must show that continuing the employment would have caused an adverse effect which the claimant could not control or prevent. The claimant must show that an immediate severance of the employment relationship was necessary.

What disqualifies you from getting unemployment in NY? ›

You may be denied benefits if you: Were fired because you violated a company policy, rule or procedure, such as absenteeism or insubordination. Quit your job without good cause, such as a compelling personal reason.

What disqualifies you from unemployment in Oregon? ›

However, if you quit your job or were discharged, the Employment Department may investigate further to determine if you might be disqualified from receiving benefits. You will be disqualified, and your unemployment benefits will be denied, if you were discharged for misconduct or if you quit work without good cause.

What disqualifies you from getting unemployment in Maryland? ›

You won't be eligible for unemployment benefits if you quit your job voluntarily, without good cause. In general, good cause means that you had a compelling work-related reason that left you no other choice than to leave.

What disqualifies you from unemployment in Arizona? ›

Failing to return unemployment insurance claim-related documents within the agency's specified time frames. Failure to respond to a referral for suitable employment by a DES agent. Refusing a genuine offer for suitable work without good cause. Retirement income (excluding Social Security)

What disqualifies you for unemployment in Colorado? ›

To become disqualified, your conduct would have to rise to the level of "gross misconduct." For example, if you stole money from your employer, that may qualify as gross misconduct.

What disqualifies you for unemployment in Texas? ›

Examples of misconduct that could make you ineligible include violation of company policy, violation of law, neglect or mismanagement of your position, or failure to perform your work adequately if you are capable of doing so.

How many hours can you work and still get unemployment in NJ? ›

We will ask how many hours you worked and how much you earned (gross) for that week. To be eligible for partial benefits, you cannot work more than 80 percent of the hours normally worked in the job. For example, if you worked a 40-hour week, you won't be able to get benefits if you work more than 32 hours.

How much does NJ unemployment pay? ›

Unemployment benefits provide 60% of average wages, with a maximum of $804/week in 2022 for 26 weeks. Individuals who exhaust these benefits may be eligible for additional weeks. Please review the FAQs for helpful tips and information before applying online at myunemployment.nj.gov.

What if my unemployment claim is denied in NJ? ›

If your claim for benefits is denied, you must file an appeal with the New Jersey DWLD Appeal Tribunal within seven days of receiving the determination letter (or ten days from the mailing date on that letter). You may file your appeal in person, by fax, or by mail.

Is there a waiting period for unemployment in NJ? ›

Contact the unemployment office in the state where you worked to determine whether there will be a waiting week. New Jersey does not subject unemployment insurance recipients to a waiting week requirement.

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