Legally Easy

As the rate of unemployment hits a long time high of 9.8%, will congress provide for additional benefits for 15.1 million unemployed workers heading into the holiday season? Pictured here is Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, who must help address the highest unemployment rate in 26 years.


According to the New York Times:

"Some 52 percent of unemployed people have exhausted state jobless benefits, and some are reaching the end of the makeshift strands of emergency extensions. The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would provide another 13 weeks of benefits, but a similar bill has stalled in the Senate over questions of whether it should only cover people in the hardest-hit states."

Most states now have websites where the unemployed can find information about unemployment benefits and, in many cases, complete an online application for unemployment insurance claims. It typically can take two weeks for benefit payments to start. The initial "waiting week", is not compensated. The second week is usually the time difference between program eligibility and payment of benefits for the first time.

The state unemployment agency certification usually includes having the unemployed person affirm that they are "able and available for work", the amount of any part-time earnings they may be earning, and that they are currently seeking work. Such certifications can typically be completed either by online or by phone call. After processing an application, the state will notify the individual about whether he or she qualifies for an unemployment program and, if so, the amount of unemployment benefits compensation that the person will receive each week. Often, states will require the individual to continually certify that they still meet the requirements for unemployment benefits, week after week.

Start at the State Law Legal Help page to learn more.

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