One of the biggest problems you may face when you lose your job is surviving financially. Unemployment benefits will help you with this.

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1. Unemployment insurance is administered by individual states. Your local Unemployment Insurance Claims Office or Employment Service Office can inform you of the requirements specific to your state.
2. Gather information about your past employers, i.e. dates of employment, addresses. You will need complete information to file your claim.
3. File A.S.A.P. From the U.S. Department of Labor, "It generally takes 2-3 weeks after the first compensable week to receive a benefit check, and no benefits can be paid to you for any week before you actually file your claim."
4. Register with the Employment Service. They provide many free services, i.e. referrals to local job listings, training, and counseling.
5. To maintain your benefits you must actively look for a job and not turn down any suitable offers.
6. You must report to your local Unemployment Insurance Claims Office or Employment Service Office on the day and at the time you are scheduled to do so.
   

1. The weekly benefit amount is generally about 50 percent of the amount earned while employed. Each state has a maximum benefit amount. Benefits can be paid for up to a maximum of 26 weeks in most states.
2. Additional weeks of benefits are available during periods of high unemployment.
3. You should contact your local office for more information. Look in the state government pages of your phone book.
   

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