Your Quick Guide to Unemployment Income: Benefits, Eligibility, and More
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans are losing their jobs. And as a result, many Americans now must figure out how to support their families. Fortunately, there are a number of benefits available to workers who lose their jobs in the United States. And one of these is unemployment income.
If you’ve lost your job and need health insurance, click here to see health insurance plans and prices (most can find a plan for under $50/month) or enter your zip code below.
What is Unemployment Insurance?
Sometimes referred to as unemployment benefits, unemployment insurance is a joint program between the federal government and the states that provides temporary payments to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
Unemployment benefit payments are designed to help partially replace lost wages. The amount you are able to collect in benefits will depend on the salary in the job you lost. Each state uses its own formula to calculate unemployment benefit amounts. Because of this, there is some variance in what time periods and wage rates are used. All states, though, will look at your wages while employed to calculate your unemployment benefits amount. And all states will also determine a maximum amount of unemployment benefits you can collect each week. In some states, you may be eligible for additional benefits if you also have dependents.
Are unemployment benefits taxable income?
Yes, the IRS considers unemployment benefits to be taxable income. Because of this, you may opt to have up to 10% of your total benefit amount withheld for federal income taxes from your unemployment benefits. You’ll need to report your unemployment compensation on your tax return. And you’ll receive tax Form 1099-G to file with your taxes.
Can I get unemployment benefits if I’m also earning other income at the same time?
Earning any other income while you’re also receiving unemployment benefits? Then this may reduce the amount of unemployment benefits you receive. And if you make any money through any kind of temporary, short-term work, you will need to report any earnings to your state’s unemployment agency. The state agency may need to make an adjustment to your weekly benefits based on any short-term money earned.
Keep in mind that if you find a new job, this will make you ineligible to continue receiving unemployment benefits.
In most states, you can collect both full unemployment benefits and social security.
How do I qualify for unemployment benefits?
First, know that as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, the federal government has made three major changes thus far regarding unemployment benefits. These changes all allow more people to qualify for unemployment as more and more Americans lose their jobs as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Now, the federal government has said that states may grant unemployment to workers during the pandemic based on the following three scenarios, as well as the previous qualifiers:
- A business has to temporarily shut down as a result of COVID-19, and thus employees may no longer come into work
- An employee is quarantined due to contracting COVID-19 or potential COVID-19 exposure, and plans to return to work afterwards
- Any employee needs to leave work due to risk of exposure or infection, or to care for a family member who has contracted COVID-
Many individual state unemployment agencies are also issuing their own new regulations regarding the expansion of unemployment benefits during the coronavirus pandemic. Check with your state’s office for information on qualifications where you live.
How do I apply for unemployment benefits?
Contact your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. You should also do so as soon as you meet one of the new COVID-19 qualifications. You will need to file with the state where you worked, even if you live in a different state now.
When you file an unemployment insurance claim with the state, you will be asked for certain information to verify your employment. This is typically straightforward information like the addresses of your former workplaces and dates of employment. Be sure to give complete and accurate information to ensure your claim is processed quickly!
You will typically receive your first unemployment benefits check two to three weeks after completing an unemployment claim once approved.
You can find out more about how to apply for unemployment insurance in your state here.
For how long can I collect unemployment benefits?
Normally, unemployment benefits are available for up to 26 weeks in most states.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been some exceptions made to this policy, and new legislation in the works to further extend the unemployment insurance period. You are best to check with your state unemployment agency to find out details pertaining to where you are.
What other programs could I be eligible for?
Learn more about:
- 10 government programs for low income families
- SNAP (a nutrition assistance program sometimes called food stamps)
- WIC (a nutrition assistance program for women, infants, and children)
- Medicaid (free or very low-cost health insurance)
You can also see if you’re eligible for Medicaid or a subsidized Marketplace health insurance plan by entering your zip code below.
My dad is 75 years old and works at Walmart and he is scared for his life of catching this virus can he sigh up for unemployment in Kentucky
Here’s the application for Kentucky: https://uiclaims.des.ky.gov/ebenefit/eben.htm
I work for Walmart in Florida and am in the same situation. I am 77 years old and volunteered to stay at home so I’m not sure if I am eligible for unemployment.
You’ll have to check with with your state unemployment office and apply there.
If you need health insurance, you can give us a call at 855.772.2663.
3 PEOPLE in my household
I am the only one working at home. Hours are reduce to 13 week. Can I apply for unemployment?
Yes, check with your state unemployment office to apply.
If you need health insurance, give us a call at 855.772.2663
Tricon is closed for two weeks so I need help on bills and other things so please I need help
If you need health insurance, please give us a call at 855.772.2663. We can help you enroll and let you know if you’re eligible for free health insurance (Medicaid) or subsidies that lower the cost of health insurance.
For other government benefits, fill out this benefits finder to see what you might qualify for: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit-finder
I work in the school system in Ouachita Parish as school secretary.. I also am a licensed stylist working in a salon… because the salon is a huge part of my income and it’s been shut off, am I eligible for unemployment benefits.?
Hi Shonia! Yes, you will likely qualify for unemployment. Please file your claim here: http://www.laworks.net/
1-If I stop going to the work and the company still open can I sign up for unemployment ?
2-how much I will get ?
3-after how long I will receive the amount
4-how the pay will be
Weekly or every 2weeks or monthly?
Hi Mustafa, if you were laid off then you should be eligible for unemployment. Please contact your state’s unemployment office to apply and to get more information. The answers to your questions depend on the state, so you’ll get the most accurate information from your state unemployment office.
I am unemployed from my partime job from 12,12,20 I have been trying to file but the system keep aking me for ID number I never file before and I don’t have this ID number they they are asking for (4)number,I even went to the Texas Work Force twice all they is give me a number to call I cannot get through,could u send me the my number to claim, or where to go,i have no money. Thanks
We can help you with health insurance, but you’ll have to file with the Texas unemployment office for unemployment.
I am working in my company, I am manager in store they reduced my salary, for 6% of my salary. Could I apply for suplemental unemployment.
It depends on your state, but you likely can apply. You’ll have to apply with your state unemployment office.
If you need health insurance, you can give us a call at 855.772.2663.
I’m a beautician in Florida and had to close down due to the virus. How do I apply?
You’ll have to apply with your state unemployment office.
If you need health insurance, you can give us a call at 855.772.2663.
I work for Broward County schools. The last day to received a paycheck is June/3. Can I collect unemployment after that date? Because of the covid 19 I won’t be able to work in the summer.
Yes, you should apply for unemployment starting that date.
How do I apply online??
You’ll have to apply with your state’s unemployment office.
If you need health insurance, give us a call at 855.772.2663
I work at the post office and am severely immunocompromised. If my doctors recommend for me to stay quarantined til safe do i qualify for unemployment then return to work when its safe to do so?
You’ll have to check with your state unemployment office. Unemployment coverage varies by state.
If you need health insurance, give us a call at 855.772.2663
I normally work 60 hrs every 2 weeks and now work 44 every 2 weeks due to coronavirus can I get unemployment
It depends on your state, but it’s likely you will get unemployment. Check with your state’s unemployment office.
I have worked at the same job for 34 plus years and I have never made as much money as the people are going to get on unemployment. I have no problem with people getting help if they are not working, but why is it that those of us who are working, are NOT entitled to this $600.00? It is pretty frustrating for those of us who do work, never get a bonus like this $600.00, for putting our lives out there and being at risk of getting this virus. I think all of us deserve this $600.00, can you tell me why we`re not getting this?
That’s up to the government, but everyone who makes under $75,000 will get a $1200 stimulus check.
I keep kids in my home due to covid 19 i haven’t been able to due to self distancing.Can i apply for unemployment?
Check with your state’s unemployment office.
If you need health insurance, give us a call at 855.772.2663
Jobs4tn is a joke.with the coronavirus. They still want you to go out and apply for jobs.this needs to be made right someone life so u can keep people money.things are hard enough. Don’t need this bus making it harder
I was already on unemployment, my benefits ended a few weeks ago.Would I be considered for a extension under the COVID19 LAW?
It depends on your state. Call you state’s unemployment office to find out.
Hi, i am non citizen of US, however I worked on campus of university part time, now because of COVID19 i lose my job, am I eligible?
Yes, as long as you’re legally allowed to work you should be eligible. You can file with your state unemployment office.