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:

How much money will I receive if I decide to file for unemployment benefits?

Generally, your payment will be a percentage of your prior earnings, up to a cap set by state law. Although states differ in how they calculate benefits, a typical formula pays half of the employee's former weekly wages, up to a maximum amount that varies widely from state to state. To continue receiving benefits, you will have to file a claim every week or two. The claim form will ask about any amounts you've earned during the claim period, your efforts to find work, and so on. For more information, see Nolo's article Unemployment Benefits: How Much Will You Get -- and For How Long?.