How to Claim Unemployment Benefits in 2024 (10 Steps)

The global economy is in a rough place right now, with nations reporting sluggish growth amidst tensions and conflicts, and the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, millions are out of work, businesses are slowing down with hiring, and public funds are drying up. It can seem like a miracle if you’re still employed with a roof over your head and food on the table, sometimes.

Unfortunately, if you’ve fallen victim to today’s dire economic situation and have received a pink slip from your employer, you may need to claim unemployment benefits as soon as possible. The process can seem like a bureaucratic headache, and the length of time it takes to receive financial assistance can feel like an eternity when you’re already living paycheck to paycheck.

So, what Ts need to be crossed and what Is need to be dotted? We’ve compiled a complete guide on how to submit a claim for unemployment benefits during the best of times and worst of times.

What are unemployment benefits?

Unemployment benefits, also known as unemployment insurance, is a state-managed program that pays you money on a weekly basis if you find yourself out of work.

You are eligible to receive these benefits if you lose your job through no fault of your own. In addition to this criterion, each state sets its own eligibility rules for unemployment benefits; for example, having worked consistently for the last 12 months prior to claiming this type of compensation.

How does unemployment insurance work?

Unemployment insurance programs were first introduced in the US in 1935. They offer temporary relief to workers who lose their jobs by replacing a portion of their wages — typically paying them between 30% and 50% of their previous salary.

Although the duration of the benefits program can vary by state, in the majority of cases, unemployed individuals can expect to receive benefits for up to 26 weeks after being laid off — so long as they are looking and are available for work.

In a nutshell (and we’ll expand on this in a moment!), workers who lose their job can file for UI benefits in person, by phone or online. If their claim is approved, the money they receive comes, largely, from taxes levied on employers, and covers up to half their previous wages for around half a year.

Who pays for unemployment benefits?

As we just touched upon, unemployment insurance programs are primarily funded using taxes that employers are required to pay. Namely, these are the Federal Unemployment Tax Act and the State Unemployment Tax Act taxes.

The FUTA tax rate is equal to 6% of the first $7,000 of each employee’s wages, although this can be lowered to 0.6% for employers that pay their SUTA taxes in full and on time. SUTA tax rates, on the other hand, vary by state.

In some outlier states (Alaska, Pennsylvania and New Jersey) both the employee and the employer pay SUTA tax, although this is the exception and not the rule.

How to claim unemployment benefits

Below, we’ve outlined 10 steps you must take before you can start receiving your unemployment benefits.

1. Determine if you qualify

The first step to claiming unemployment benefits is to ensure that you qualify. In the US, there are typically three requirements you must meet:

• You’re unemployed through no fault of your own
• You meet work and wage requirements
• You meet other state/provincial requirements

As each state has its own UI program, you must find out the details that apply where you live and work. The Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance Service Locator can help you figure out the details.

2. Gather personal information

Now that you’re aware of your eligibility, the next step is to gather all your personal information. This is a standard procedure for any government-run benefits scheme to prevent fraud and to ensure you are who you claim to be.

Here’s what you’ll need to provide:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Full mailing address (including city and zip code)
• Social security number
• Driver’s license or government-issued ID or employment authorization number (for non-US citizens)
• Bank account number and routing number

3. Compile paperwork from previous employment

In addition to your personal information, you’ll also need to compile paperwork from your previous employment, whether it’s a single employer or multiple ones. Bureaucratic agencies require information regarding your employment from your ex-boss to correctly calculate your benefits and to, once again, prevent fraud and waste.

Here’s what you’ll be asked to provide:

• The name and address of your last employer
• Your last employer’s state tax ID and federal tax ID numbers
• Your start and end dates of employment
• Your wage details

This information can be found on your W-2 or record of employment.

4. Submit claims online

As of fall 2024, the national unemployment rate is at 4.3%, up from 3.5% a year ago. Because agencies are experiencing an influx of applications, governments are recommending that all filers submit their claims online.

The process can be a bit long, so it’s imperative that you have all the necessary documents, paperwork and information to speed up the application.

Every website will have a checklist of what you need, so read it first before you begin.

5. File during off-peak hours

Sometimes, states can become inundated with applications, overwhelming their servers and adding to the pile of claims. As a result, officials are advising everyone to file their unemployment benefits application during odd hours (early morning or late evening) or on your assigned day (if applicable).

You will notice the difference in the speed of each loading page throughout off-peak hours.

6. Proofread your application

Let’s be honest: mistakes happen. That’s why they put erasers on the back of pencils.

You might have misunderstood a question. You could have checked off the wrong box. You may have misspelled a name. No matter what it is, be sure to proofread your application from start to finish to spot any mistakes, omissions or typos that could easily be corrected and prevent you from being denied much-needed unemployment benefits.

7. Monitor your application

Now that you’ve submitted your application, it would be a prudent move to monitor your application.

You might not receive instant approval since it would need to be verified by a clerk and given the rubber stamp of approval. Therefore, it would be best to keep an eye on the status of your application until you receive a letter notifying you that your application has been accepted and your benefits are on the way.

8. Contact the unemployment office

Do you have any questions or concerns? Has your application still not been reviewed over the last couple of weeks? Is your online application not going through?

Whatever the case is, it would be a good idea to contact the unemployment office, either by phone or in person. This way, you can make sure that your application is not delayed longer than it needs to be since time and money are precious.

9. Be truthful

From the moment you start the process to the time you stop receiving benefits, it’s imperative that you remain truthful at all times. As the saying goes: honesty is the best policy. By being accurate and not telling fibs, you can be confident that you won’t get into trouble or have your application rejected.

Remember: the government has an unlimited budget and resources at its disposal. It can always find out, one way or another, about your dishonesty.

10. File an appeal

Unfortunately, there will be instances of claims for unemployment compensation being rejected. But why would your application be denied? You may have voluntarily quit your job, you could have been fired for misconduct, or you were dishonest in your application.

If this happens to you, you can file an appeal and state why the agency’s conclusion was wrong. What should you do? Here are some tips to consider:

• Review your state’s process for filing an appeal
• Look at the calendar and ensure you’re submitting an appeal within 30 days (the usual deadline)
• Collect your supporting documentation and make multiple copies
• Obtain witnesses relevant to your situation
• Think about professional representation for your appeal
• Attend every unemployment board hearing

It’s important to remember that you should keep filing for unemployment benefits during the appeals process.

FAQs about unemployment benefits

Still a little unclear on how UI benefits programs work? Let’s answer some common questions!

Q: Can my former employer deny my unemployment claim?

Yes, they can, should they believe that you don’t meet the eligibility criteria. However, your state’s unemployment agency still has the final say in whether to approve or deny your application, after hearing both your and your employer’s argument.

Q: Are all fired employees entitled to receiving UI benefits?

They aren’t. You’re only entitled to benefits when you lose your job through no fault of your own. This means that if you’re fired for misconduct, such as due to company theft, criminal activity, harassment or abuse, your state has no obligation to support you while you look for a new job.

Q: Can I receive unemployment benefits if I work and reside abroad?

In the majority of cases, you cannot. Unemployment benefits are tied to the state where you worked, meaning you must be residing in the country to claim UI.

Some exceptions to this rule include former military personnel who were separated under honorable conditions. The Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members allows applications regardless of the location where you were stationed before.

Final thoughts

Nobody would wish joblessness on their worst enemy. It’s awful to be out of work: the uncertainty, the lack of cash and the depression that settles in after perpetual unemployment. With UI, at least many out-of-work people can be confident that they can access a safety net that can help see them get to the next day.

In the meantime, keep searching for work, try to find some way of making money, and maintain a positive outlook on your future!

Have you ever had to file for unemployment benefits or are currently facing unemployment? Join the conversation below and share your experiences with us.

This article is a partial update of an earlier version originally published on October 17, 2020, and contains contributions by Electra Michaelidou.