Are you suddenly without a job?

Are you eligible to collect unemployment income? Lots of people think that if you quit your job that they’re not eligible to receive unemployment checks. Well, that’s not always true. But, you may be doing things that cause you to be denied unemployment benefits.

Losing your job can be scary both financially and emotionally. But, unemployment income benefits (aka U.I.) can help you.

There are specific requirements depending on your state of residence. But, if you avoid some common mistakes, it may be easier to qualify. Did you know that once your state benefits expire that you may qualify for federal benefits?

Top Eight mistakes to avoid:

1. Saying no to a reasonable, alternate position at your current employer. If you’re losing a job, but your employer offers you a reasonable alternative that you refuse, then you may be unable to collect unemployment.

* The salary and level of the alternate position must be similar.

* Keep in mind, rules can vary by state; be sure to check with your state.

2. Are you in school? Benefits could be denied If school attendance limits your ability to search for work or be at work. Being in school is fine, but if you state that it may limit your ability to find work, then you may have put yourself in a difficult position.

* If you’re registered for too many credit hours, then the state may assume you’re too busy to work.

3. Are you unable to work right now? At the moment, are you not working due to family illness or emergency, maternity leave, or temporarily disabled? You may not be able to collect unemployment during this period of time if you are not able to work. However, there are a few states that may grant an exception if you quit due to illness.

4. If you’re somehow able to generate an income, then the state may reduce or stop your unemployment benefits.

* If you escape with only a reduction, then your benefits will probably be reduced by an amount equivalent to your other earnings.

5. In most cases, you must be actively looking for work. In order to maintain your eligibility, most states will require you to apply for a set number of suitable jobs each week. Keep in mind, for example, out-of-work teachers shouldn’t apply for Chief Executive Officer positions.

6. Did you agree to a severance pay package? You can’t receive, in many states, unemployment benefits while you’re receiving severance pay. After the severance pay period is over, then you would be eligible again. But, some states don’t penalize you when you’re receiving severance pay.

7. Misbehaving, not conducting yourself as a responsible adult employee. The states expect you to be a responsible employee. Don’t steal from work. Do show up on-time. Don’t fail a drug test. Don’t threaten others. Basically, be a responsible citizen if you want to receive unemployment benefits. You’ll be rewarded for common sense: if you want society to help you, then also help society.

* Each state determines what it considers misconduct. Some states will determine your level of benefits by whether your misconduct was considered simple or outrageous.

* In your state, if someone can be fired for misconduct outside of work, then that misconduct could keep the person from receiving unemployment benefits.

8. Did you quit your job? Sometimes, quitting your job may not necessarily bar you from unemployment benefits. Here’s one: if a reasonable person would quit due to terrible working conditions, then you may still qualify.  Common exemptions include medical or domestic violence.

Summary

Keep in mind, unemployment insurance is there for temporary support. It’s supposed to be for workers that lost their job due to reasons that are beyond their control. Also, not every situation will make everyone eligible. You must be aware of the laws in your state.

Some states are more generous than others. The length of benefits varies due to state and circumstance. Did you know that once your state benefits expire that you may qualify for federal benefits? Be smart, before you quit or get fired research the rules that may apply in your state.