You’ve been laid off and now find yourself as one of the 6.1% of the nation’s population classified as “unemployed.” Never dealing with a state’s unemployment office before, you find it all overwhelming. Do you physically find an office or go online to file a claim? Below are some tips to help with navigating your way to following and working with the unemployment office’s rules and regulations.
1. File your claim as soon as you can
As soon as you learn about being laid off or let go, immediately file a claim. Do not make this mistake as you may need to wait at least a week or two to see your first payment. After making the initial claim, you will need to wait for the unemployment claims agent to investigate or determine whether you are eligible. This might take more time than expected.
During this time, make sure to answer all phone calls. Be ready to take a call and answer all questions as thoroughly as you can. If you need time to find an answer, make sure to ask when a good time is to call back, and confirm the phone number or email to provide a timely response.
2. Select a time and day to consistently report your job searches
One important aspect of unemployment insurance will be going online or the preferred method of your state’s unemployment office and making your claim. This will need to be done each week, typically on a Sunday between a specific time. Determine your state’s weekly claim schedule then put a reminder on your phone or calendar. Make sure to select the same time of the day each week so it will be easier for you to remember. You don’t want to miss a weekly claim as you may not get your benefits.
3. Organize your job searches by date
Most states will require you to conduct a minimum number of job searches each week. Organizing these by dates will be the most useful to you. Name folders on your computer by month and year then break down each month with folders named by the week. This way they are all easily organized. Within these folders, keep copies or PDFs of your online applications or cover letters that contain the date. Also make sure to keep any follow up emails or if you attended a career fair, make a copy of the registration which is dated.
4. Keep your job searches so you can easily share them
There might come a day when an unemployment insurance agent might contact you for proof of your job searches. This is when the dated organization you created will come in handy. But also make sure these files can be shared or easily emailed to someone. If you saved an email, make sure you create a PDF. Do not assume anyone can open your Outlook or Gmail file. Try to always maintain files as PDFs as these are more easily shared with others.
5. Every state is different, and changes occur constantly so do not make any assumptions
Each state is different on how it calculates your benefit and the requirements will differ from state to state. Rules and laws are constantly changing. Do not assume that what you did five years ago in another state will automatically work or be followed this time.
6. Be patient and resilient when dealing with the unemployment office
Remember the unemployment office may still be struggling or overburdened with claims or changes in processes or the law. Don’t give up and be relentless in finding an agent who can answer your questions. It’s also important to be nice and polite. It can be a frustrating process but try not to take it out on the unemployment agent. Instead try to make a human connection with them by displaying empathy. Taking a little extra time for a brief conversation might ease your frustration and make the other person feel glad for talking with you.
Please Note: Flux is not providing legal advice. Information may vary from state to state.