If you want to get unemployment benefits in the United States, you need to interview with an unemployment officer over the phone.You might be required to come to your local unemployment office for an in-person meeting.Make sure you have all the documentation they need to process your claim in order to handle your meeting with unemployment.
Step 1: You must confirm your eligibility.
If you lost your job through no fault of your own, that doesn't mean you're eligible for unemployment benefits.You can use the unemployment office website to determine if you are eligible.Your eligibility is determined by the reason you were fired and the amount of money you made during your base period.Each state has a minimum amount of money you have to make over a certain period of time.You can take an eligibility quiz on the website of your state's unemployment office.The program makes a preliminary determination of your eligibility after you give the answers to a few questions.It isn't an official determination of your eligibility based on the information you provided.It can give you an idea of what to expect when you submit your application.
Step 2: You can file your initial claim for unemployment.
The application for unemployment requires you to provide information about yourself, your previous employer, and the reason your employment was terminated.You can fill out an application on the website of your state's unemployment office.This may be the easiest way to file.You can either fill out an application at the local unemployment office or file an initial claim over the phone.
Step 3: Receive notice from the unemployment office.
When your application is being processed, the unemployment office will send you a notice.The office will let you know if an in-person or telephone interview is required.The information on how to prepare for the interview will be contained in the notice you receive.The officer who interviews you will expect you to talk about the items on the notice.You will be provided with a date and time for your interview by the notice.The time may be approximate if you have a phone interview.
Step 4: Information should be gathered for your interview.
The information you received from the unemployment office will be listed on the notice.You can provide personal identification documents, such as a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security card, or your birth certificate.The unemployment office can request documents related to your previous employment or separation from that employer.
Step 5: You should be able to make arrangements at the time of the interview.
If the unemployment office reschedules your interview, it could result in the delay of your benefits.Clear your schedule so that you can get your benefits started as soon as possible.If you know in advance that it will be impossible for you to be available at the scheduled time, contact the unemployment office as soon as possible.Instructions should be on the notice and the number to call.
Step 6: A representative can be chosen.
You can be represented by someone else if you don't think you can adequately represent yourself.They don't have to be an attorney.If the interview will be conducted in English, and you don't speak English very well, you may want to have a friend represent you who is proficient in both English and your native language.A representative could be helpful if your former employer intimidates you during the interview.
Step 7: You need to organize your information.
If you are asked, make sure you have all your documents organized in a way that you can find them quickly.If you have a phone interview, this is equally important.A good impression is given to you when you keep your papers neat and organized.The phone interview will show how prepared you are even if it's not in person.
Step 8: For an in-person interview, dress appropriately.
If you're going to the unemployment office in person, dress like you would at a job interview or business meeting.Sending a signal to the unemployment officer that you take the entire process seriously is what you want to do.If you previously worked in a job where you were required to wear a uniform, and you don't have any appropriate business attire, just keep your appearance clean and neat.Cut-off shorts or T-shirts with large graphics are not appropriate for casual wear.
Step 9: Discuss the reasons for your dismissal.
At the initial interview, the unemployment officer tries to determine your eligibility for benefits.Answer questions honestly and directly.The interviewer doesn't want to hear about your work history or reputation with your previous employer.If you want to avoid straying to any other topics, keep your answers brief and direct.It's important to be precise about what you say.In a phone interview, don't make jokes that could endanger your benefits.
Step 10: Be polite, calm and reasonable.
The atmosphere may be tense if your former employer is involved.Keep your tone civil and polite.Keeping your statements to the facts is the easiest way to do this.Keep it to yourself if you want to say something that relates more to your feelings than what happened.Potential discrimination claim may be one of the more serious issues you have with your former employer.If you have an attorney represent you during your initial interview, you can avoid saying anything that could jeopardize your claim.
Step 11: Ask the interviewer questions.
They may ask if you have any questions for them after the interview is over.It's time to find out what you need to know about the process.If you don't understand something, ask the interviewer for clarification.If you need to remember something, take notes.If you tend to get nervous during these kinds of meetings, you may want to write out a list of questions before the interview so you don't forget anything.
Step 12: Find out the decision of the department.
After your initial interview, you will receive a notice from the unemployment office with a summary of their decision and the benefits you are eligible for.Instructions on how to receive your benefits are included in this notice.If you haven't already, you can go to the unemployment office to set up your payment method.You can have your benefits deposited into a bank account or loaded onto a card.Important information about the deadlines you have to appeal the decision will be contained in the notice if your claim was denied.Work on your appeal as soon as possible to avoid a delay in your benefits.
Step 13: Continue to certify your benefits.
If you don't find a job or run out of benefits, you have to check in with the unemployment office each week to make sure you are still eligible.It is possible that you will be required to provide information about your job search.You may be required to visit the unemployment office as often as once a week to work on your job search.
Step 14: Follow-up meetings need to be attended.
If your unemployment office requires you to check in periodically to see how your job search is going, you may be assigned a specific counselor to work on your case.Notices of scheduled meetings will be sent by the unemployment office.Contact the office as soon as possible if you can't make your appointment.You may lose your benefits if you miss a scheduled appointment.
Step 15: You can appeal a denial of benefits.
You have the right to appeal the unemployment office's decision to deny you benefits.You can file your notice of appeal as soon as possible because the deadline is short.You have the right to look at the documents submitted by your employer.Information on how to request a copy of your file should be included in your denial letter.When you file your notice of appeal, make that request at the same time.Forms to file can be found on the unemployment office's website.
Step 16: Talk to a lawyer.
If you appeal a denial of benefits, you would benefit from an attorney representing you.Most attorneys who specialize in unemployment law offer a free initial consultation.Even if you don't get an attorney, you should still interview at least two or three.During the appeals hearing, you may be able to pick up some tips on how to handle yourself.If you don't have enough money, you might check legal aid clinics.Many of them have attorneys who specialize in unemployment law.