Unemployment Benefits FAQ

Questions:

• Can I collect unemployment if I was fired for poor performance?
• I had to quit my job after my daughter was diagnosed with cancer; can I get unemployment benefits?
• After I was laid off, I took my son out of day care to save money; can I still collect unemployment even though I'm spending most of my time being a stay-at-home mom?
• Must I have earned a certain amount at my last job to collect unemployment?
• How long will it take to get my unemployment benefits after I file?
• How much money will I receive if I decide to file for unemployment benefits?
• For how long can I receive unemployment?
• Can my claim for unemployment benefits be denied?
• Is there anything I can do if my claim for unemployment benefits is denied?

Answer:

Must I have earned a certain amount at my last job to collect unemployment?

Yes, in most states. Some states also have work requirements (that is, you must have worked for your previous employer for a certain period of time to be eligible for unemployment). Most states require applicants for unemployment to meet a minimum earnings threshold during the "base period": a one-year period made up of the earliest four of the last five complete calendar quarters of the year before you apply for benefits. For more information on the base period, earnings requirements, and work requirements, see Nolo's article Unemployment Compensation: Understanding the Base Period.