It's surprising how many people lose their jobs, but are too embarrassed to file for unemployment compensation right away. Don't fall into that trap. You've earned the right to receive benefits by working for a living. Your employer(s) paid in unemployment taxes (that could have gone on your paycheck had they not paid those taxes) and that qualifies you for benefits. This is not charity. It has been bought and paid for - by you. You need help now, and you have no reason at all to feel embarrassed for claiming your benefits. Basically, the benefits are the way the Government pays you a minimal salary in order to let you look for a new job. You've earned it, so there is no reason whatsoever that you shouldn't claim it.
Also, please remember that you are only one of the 6,000,000 workers that were laid off in the last year. Maybe the company closed down. Maybe just your division. Or, maybe it was just you and possibly some of your co-workers. If so, why you? Who knows? But, obviously, somebody where you worked felt that the profitability of the company would improve without you. More than likely, it was purely an economic decision. Maybe you didn't stroke your boss often enough. Maybe you didn't let your boss know what all you really did for the company. Others did, and they are still there - for now. The point is; it just doesn't matter at this point. You were laid off. You weren't fired - there is a difference. A layoff is a no-fault situation. When a company downsizes, somebody will be laid off. In your case it was you. Don't hang your head down and feel embarrassed about it. Now, you have to move on with your life. So, let's make that first step.
Every state has a different method for claiming unemployment compensation. The first thing to do is to check Google (or Yahoo Search or MSN Search , etc.) to see where to call or go. In many states, you can file your initial claim and your weekly claims on line. Click on one of the links above, and type the following into the search field:
Unemployment Claims Oklahoma
Of course, (unless you were laid off in Oklahoma) you need to change the last word in that search to match the state where you qualify for benefits. The results at or near the top of the page should provide you with enough information to get started. Don't start filing your claim yet, but bookmark the site where you will be filing your claim - assuming you can file on line. There are a few things that you need to prepare first. Government Websites are notoriously unfriendly, so be prepared.
Gather all of the information that you can. Dates, monetary amounts (gross amounts), etc. are all important. Many states require that you separate severance pay, vacation pay, sick pay, comp pay, etc. If you have not received your last paycheck yet, or if those items are not separated on your final check, you may need to contact your prior employer to get an accurate accounting breakdown. Most states will not pay benefits until all severance pay has been used up - just as if you were still working. If you received exit paperwork, you will need that too. On your initial claim, these kinds of questions will be asked, and you must provide accurate information if you have it. Do not lie or try to hide anything! Your answers will be compared to the answers provided to the state by your former employer. At best, your benefits will be delayed. At worst, you could be criminally prosecuted. Do not risk that by providing incorrect information. It is not worth it. If there are any obstacles that you encounter, your search above should have provided you with a phone number to your state's unemployment help line. Don't wait for the state to call you. Call them and explain your problem to them. If you don't call, your benefits will, more than likely, be delayed or revoked. Stay on top of your situation at all times, and you will be much better off.
You will receive all kinds of information after you file for benefits. Read all of it carefully. They will contain the rules and regulations that your state requires you to follow in order to receive benefits. All of the i's need to be dotted and all of the t's need to be crossed. This is very important. Your state would prefer not to pay you benefits (they are having financial problems too), so don't give them any excuse to stop or delay your benefits. We told you that this wasn't going to be easy. Remember? Here's a good example of the problems that you will be facing. But, remember, the difficulties can be overcome - you just have to work at it.
A piece of advice here, although it's up to you to decide. It is usually best to have Federal and State taxes withheld from your check. Although it is tempting to skip that so your check will be larger, it could easily cause more problems later. The recent Stimulus Plan exempts the first $2,400 of unemployment compensation received in 2009 from Federal taxes. But, after that, you will owe taxes on the benefits that you receive. If you are still unemployed when tax time in 2010 comes around, you will have to come up with a lump-sum payment. That could prove to be very difficult for you. This option is completely up to you, but it's something that you need to consider.
Finally, something else to consider. Many states have gone to alternative methods of paying benefits. Some pay by check. Some by direct-deposit into your bank account. And, some by re-loadable debit cards. Some states use all three methods, and others only use one of them. Checks can delay payment, and can get lost in the mail. Direct-deposit and debit cards are faster and more reliable. But, debit cards can cause problems. Fees for using them can take a significant bite out of your benefit. If a debit card is your only option, or your preferable alternative, check to see about the charges involved with their use. Don't wait to find out later that it cost you two or three dollars every time you used it. It might be preferable to see if you can get all cash for it each week and you would incur only one charge. Look before you leap and avoid any surprises.
OK, you've taken care of business as far as your unemployment compensation is concerned. Now it's time to get down to the nuts and bolts of your current sttuation. Either click your browsers "Back" button or click on the link below to go to the original list. You are off to a good start!
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