When you’re out of a job, figuring out things like unemployment money can be tricky. Unemployment insurance is super important for when you no longer have a paycheck, but there’s more you can do. Make sure to use all the help you can get, like using websites where jobs are posted and meeting new people who can help you in your job search.

This time can also be good for learning new things and finding different kinds of work. Plus, you should consider doing some small jobs on the side while you’re looking for a full-time job since employment benefits do not replace your entire income. Keep reading to learn more about how unemployment insurance works, how to find a new job, and details about doing freelance work.

 

Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a special government program to help qualifying people with money when they’re out of a job. This help can be really important because it gives you some income while you’re looking for new work.

In the United States, each state runs its own unemployment insurance program, but they all follow some common rules set by the federal government. States have their own rules about who can get unemployment money, how much they get, and for how long.

Sometimes, when things get tough like during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government might make these benefits last longer or give out extra money.

Businesses pay special taxes to the state and sometimes the federal government for unemployment insurance. This money goes into a big fund that’s only used to pay unemployment benefits. How much businesses pay can change depending on:

• What kind of business it is
• How big it is
• If they’ve laid off people before

There are two big laws – the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and the Social Security Act of 1935 – that help run and pay for these unemployment programs.

Unemployment insurance isn’t something businesses give directly. Instead, it’s a run by the government. Businesses must keep track of what they pay their workers and report it. They also need to file special tax forms regularly.

If someone who used to work for them asks for unemployment benefits, the government might ask the business about that person’s job and why they don’t work there anymore. This helps figure out if the person should get unemployment money.

To get this help, you usually need to have lost your job without it being your fault, like in layoffs. You also need to have worked enough and earned enough money before, and you must be ready and looking for a new job.

Understanding unemployment insurance is the first step. But there’s more – like how to actually apply for this money, how to keep getting it, and what you need to do to stay eligible. We’re going to talk about all these important things next.

Filing an unemployment claim initially (the application) and continuously (weekly claims) is part of the process. Without applying to the program or completing the ongoing paper, the state will not send you payments.

If you lose your job, try to apply for these benefits right away. If you wait too long, you might lose out on some of the money you could get.

 

To get unemployment money, there are special rules in each state. Usually, you need to have worked for a certain amount of time and earned enough money before you lost your job. Also, it’s important that you didn’t lose your job because of something you did wrong.

Here’s what you need to get ready:

• Your Social Security number
• Your driver’s license or state ID
• Where you’ve worked in the last year and a half, with the names and addresses of your employers, their phone numbers, and when you worked for them
• If you worked for the government, you’ll need some special forms (SF8 and SF50)
• If you were in the military, you need your DD-214 form

In most states, you can apply for these benefits online, which is usually faster. You can also call or sometimes go to an office near you.

Be careful when you fill out the application to make sure everything is right. Each state does things a bit differently, so make sure you know what your state needs.

After you send in your application, the state office will take some time to look at it. They might need to ask you or your old employer some more questions. If they do, answer quickly and make sure you tell them the correct information.

They’ll send you a letter or email to tell you if you qualify for payments or not. If you disagree with their decision, there’s a way to ask them to look at it again called an appeal. They’ll tell you how to do this in the letter.

Filing Your Weekly or Bi-Weekly Claims

Once accepted into the program, you need to fill out a form every week or every two weeks. This is to let them know you still don’t have a job and that you’re looking for one. You must keep looking for a job and write down what you’re doing to find one. If you make any money while you’re getting unemployment (like a part-time job or a little project), you must tell them about it.

Getting the Money

How much money you get and for how long can be different in each state. Usually, they give you part of what your salary was, for up to 26 weeks. Sometimes, if a lot of people are out of work, they might let you receive payments for longer.

Just like your paycheck, this unemployment money can be taxed. You can choose if you want them to take out taxes before they give you the money, or you can pay the taxes later when you do your tax return.

Applying for unemployment isn’t too hard if you know what to do and get ready for it. Make sure you know what your state needs from you, and keep looking for a job while you receive unemployment benefits. This money is just to help you until you find a new job.

Since you need to keep looking for a job while you are unemployed, the next section will have some really good tips on how to find one. These tips will help you get better at looking for jobs and make it more likely you’ll find a good one that fits what you want to do.

Finding a new job can be tough. But with the right plans and attitude, you can make this time a step towards a great new career.

If you’re ready to kick off your job search, don’t go in blind! You wouldn’t want to waste your time and energy on a journey to nowhere. Here are some valuable tips you can use to maximize your job search.

 

1. Update and Tailor Your Resume

• Highlight Your Best Skills: Make sure to focus on the skills that really matter for the jobs you’re applying for.
• Customize Your Resume: Change your resume a little for each job you apply for, using keywords from the job ads. This helps your resume get noticed by computer systems that sort applications.
• Talk About Your Achievements: Focus more on what you’ve achieved at your past jobs, not just your duties.

2. Improve Your Online Profile

• LinkedIn Job Posting: Update your LinkedIn profile with a good photo and details about your work. Recruiters often look here for candidates.
• Indeed: Keep your Indeed profile current since you might find jobs that match your skills there.
• Online Portfolio: If you’re in a creative field, put together an online portfolio to show off your work.

3. Use Job Search Sites and Hiring Websites

• Expand Your Search: Look for jobs on different job posting sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.

• Job Alerts: Set up alerts on these websites to get notified about new jobs that fit what you’re looking for.

4. Network Effectively

• Meet Industry People: Go to online industry events and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Informational Interviews: Ask people in your field for informational interviews to learn more and maybe find job leads.

5. Think About Temporary or Freelance Work

• Freelance Sites: Check out sites like Upwork or Freelancer for short-term jobs, especially if you have skills in writing, coding, or design.
• Temp Agencies: Consider temporary jobs from agencies as a way to get into a company or industry.

6. Learn More and Improve Your Skills

• Courses and Certifications: Use your free time to take online courses or get new certifications that are relevant to your field.
• Stay Current: Keep up with the latest news and trends in your industry.

7. Get Ready for Interviews

• Company Research: Before an interview, learn about the company and the job.
• Practice Interviewing: Prepare answers to common questions and do practice interviews with friends or mentors.

8. Keep a Routine

• Set a Daily Plan: Treat looking for a job like a regular job. Have a schedule for applying to jobs and other job search activities.
• Stay Organized: Keep track of all the jobs you apply for and the people you talk to.

9. Stay Positive and Keep Going

• Keep a Good Attitude: Job hunting can be hard. Try to stay positive even when it’s tough.
• Rely on Friends and Family: Turn to the people who support you for encouragement and advice.

10. Think About Getting Professional Advice

•  If you’re feeling stuck, you might want to get help from a career counselor or coach.