Unemployment Benefits Insurance: Are You Covered?
The current rate of unemployment in the United States has been pretty dismal. The Los Angeles Times reports that the rate of unemployment was steady at 10% last month, but that last year saw a loss of over 4 million jobs. The rate of unemployment would have been 10.4%, but the labor force was smaller due to people leaving the workforce for reasons besides layoffs, and others ceasing to search for work.
The Los Angeles Times quotes Lawrence Mishel, president of the Economic Policy Institute in Washington as saying, "Clearly, the continued erosion of jobs...and workers abandoning the labor market in droves indicate we still have severe and growing employment problems facing Americans." Since the rate of unemployment is affecting so many Americans, questions about unemployment benefit insurance are only natural. Do you know if you are covered?
What Is Unemployment Benefits Insurance?
It is temporary income for eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and who are ready, willing, and able to work. You must have sufficient work and wages in covered employment. It is typically funded by state governments.
Who Qualifies for It?
Any employee who is out of work through no fault of their own can qualify for it. However, if you leave work out of your own volition, it will be hard to collect unemployment benefits. If you quit, you need to show that you left for a good reason that was because of your employer. It must be a compelling reason such as harassment, discrimination, reduction in hours or pay, threats of being fired, hazardous working conditions, etc.
If you were laid off, you need to have enough employment tenure to be eligible to collect unemployment benefits.
While this is hard time for many Americans, there is relief in the form of unemployment benefits insurance. Make sure to check out our Related Resources for more information.
Related Resources:
- Unemployment Insurance: Overview (Findlaw)
- Your Rights When You Leave a Job (Findlaw)
- Unemployment Benefits Extended: Obama Signs Bill (Findlaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Employment Law FAQs (provided by Begelman Orlow & Melletz Attorneys at Law)