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It is never too late to prepare yourself in the event of job loss. Unemployment insurance (UI) could serve as your 'emergency fund' until you are hired again. Here are a few tips on what you might expect
from UI if you are eligible.
Take Action Immediately
Staff at your local unemployment office should be able to direct you to where you can file a claim. If you do not know where your local office is located, go to the United States Department of Labor website
at dol.gov (866-4-USA-DOL) where you could find a variety of links to unemployment resources in each state. Another source to try is
servicelocator.org . Before filing, it is wise to have personal information handy such as your Social Security number, proof of U.S. citizenship if
applicable, mailing address, phone number and names, addresses and dates of employment of all past employers for the last two years.
How do you qualify for benefits?
There are a variety of criteria which dictates whether you are eligible to receive unemployment. For example, you may not qualify for unemployment if you were fired for misconduct, quit without good cause
or if you are self-employed. Discuss your situation with local unemployment office staff. They may guide you in the right direction.
How much money do you receive?
According to a recent report about UI in Redbook, you may be able to collect from $240 per week up to $405 per week depending on what state you are filing in. Weekly payment amounts are determined by
various criteria. Your claim representative will probably inform you about payment amount details when you file your claim. Prior to calling for UI, you may want to keep in mind that benefits are subject
to Federal income tax.
How long can you get UI?
You could receive up to 26 weeks of UI. Depending on your state and the current recession, the federal government considers Emergency Unemployment Compensation for additional weeks. Check with your State
Employment Office for information on what benefits you may be entitled to.
Can you continue health insurance?
You may want to think about contacting a health insurance agent, your family physician or the state insurance department for advice if you become unemployed.
Plans through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), short-term insurance, state-sponsored reinsurance programs and benefits for your children may be available. Also, certain alumni
associations, fraternities or groups may offer inexpensive coverage for the unemployed. Other possibilities include Medicaid if you are over 65. To see if you qualify for Medicaid, go to
www.hhs.gov. Individual circumstances are different and so are health insurance plans. It is important to know that options are available for you to
explore.
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Get Debt Relief Now!
For a free consultation call 1-800-297-6417 or start by filling in the form below and one of our specialists will contact you. We are here to help you 24 hours a day.
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