How do i qualify for unemployment benefits

COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits

COVID-19 extended unemployment benefits from the federal government have ended. But you may still qualify for unemployment benefits from your state.

 Contact your state’s unemployment insurance program for the most up-to-date information.

How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits

There are a variety of benefit and aid programs to help you if you lose your job. CareerOneStop.org is a good place to start. It can help with unemployment insurance benefits, job training, and finding a job.

Unemployment Insurance

Am I eligible?

Unemployment insurance programs pay you money if you lose your job through no fault of your own. You must meet your state's eligibility requirements.

How do I apply?

Each state runs its own program. Select your state from this map to find out how to apply. You may be able to file online, by phone, or in person. 

Is there anything else I need to know?

• Some states provide extended benefits when there's high unemployment. Extended unemployment insurance benefits last for 13 weeks. You can apply for extended benefits only once you've run out of regular benefits. Check with your state; not everyone qualifies.

• You must report unemployment benefits as income on your tax return.

Other Types of Benefits and Programs for the Unemployed

Educational Help

Federal agencies offer many unemployment education and training programs. They are generally free or low cost to the unemployed.

Self-Employment Help

Self-employment assistance programs help unemployed workers start their own small businesses. Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, and Oregon offer this program.

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

If you can't work because you are sick or injured, disability insurance will pay part of your income. You may be able to get insurance through your employer. You can also buy your own policy.

Types of Disability Policies

There are two types of disability policies.

• Short-term policies may pay for up to two years. Most last for a few months to a year.

• Long-term policies may pay benefits for a few years or until the disability ends.

Employers who offer coverage may provide short-term coverage, long-term coverage, or both.

If you plan to buy your own policy, shop around and ask:

• How is disability defined?

• When do benefits begin?

• How long do benefits last?

• How much money will the policy pay?

Federal Disability Programs

Two Social Security Administration programs pay benefits to people with disabilities. Learn about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI).

Workers' Compensation for Illness or Injury on the Job

Workers' compensation laws protect employees who get hurt on the job or sick from it. The laws establish workers’ comp, a form of insurance that employers pay for. These laws vary from state to state and for federal employees.

Benefits Provided by Workers' Compensation

In general, workers’ comp provides:

• Coverage for workers’ medical expenses

• Compensation for lost wages while a worker is out recovering 

• Benefits for dependents of workers who died from job-related hazards

Private Sector and State or Local Government Employees

If you get hurt working for a private company or state or local government, seek help through your state. Your state workers' compensation program can help you file a claim. If your claim is denied, you can appeal.

Longshore and Harbor Workers, Coal Miners, Nuclear Weapons Workers, and Federal Employees

Federal laws protect longshore and harbor workers, coal miners, nuclear weapons workers employed by the Department of Energy (DOE) or a DOE contractor, and federal employees. Contact the workers' compensation program that applies to you for help filing a claim.

Wrongful Discharge/Termination of Employment

If you feel that you have been wrongfully fired from a job or let go from an employment situation, you may wish to learn more about your state's wrongful discharge laws.

Wrongful Discharge/Termination Laws

• Wrongful termination or wrongful discharge laws vary from state to state.
• Some states are "employment-at-will" states, which means that if there is no employment contract (or collective bargaining agreement), an employer can let an employee go for any reason, or no reason, with or without notice, as long as the discharge does not violate a law.

If you feel you have been wrongfully discharged or terminated from employment, you may: 

• Contact your state labor office for more information on wrongful termination laws in your state.
• Seek legal counsel if your employer terminated you for any reason not covered under state or federal law.
• You may also be eligible for unemployment compensation and extension of your health care benefits.

Employer Guidance for Discharge/Termination

If you are an employer seeking information about legal termination of employees, you may wish to contact both the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and your state labor office to ensure you do not violate any federal or state labor laws. You may wish to consult with a licensed attorney.

Welfare or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federally funded, state-run benefits program. Also known as welfare, TANF helps families achieve independence after experiencing temporary difficulties.

Learn About TANF

Recipients may qualify for help with:

• Food
• Housing
• Home energy
• Child care
• Job training

Each state runs its TANF program differently and has a different name.
Some tribal groups operate their own TANF programs.

Find Out If You're Eligible for TANF 

• Each state or tribal territory has its own rules for who is eligible for financial help, services, or other benefits.
• You must be a resident of the state where you are applying.

Apply for TANF

Contact your nearest TANF office to sign-up for benefits.

Report TANF Fraud

If you suspect possible welfare fraud, contact:

• Your local TANF office 
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General’s Fraud Hotline