Unemployment Basics

Unemployment Compensation: Understanding the Base Period

To collect unemployment benefits, you must have worked a minimum amount of time⁠—or received a minimum amount of earnings⁠—from your previous employer.

Unemployment Benefits: What If You're Fired?

Some reasons for termination might make you ineligible for unemployment benefits.

Unemployment Benefits: What If You Quit?

If you quit a job without good cause, you may not qualify for unemployment benefits.

Unemployment Benefits: How Much Will You Get -- and For How Long?

Get tips on the amount and duration of unemployment benefit payments you can expect.

Is Unemployment Insurance Taxable Income?

This may come as a surprise to many, but unemployment benefits generally are taxable.

Filing an Unemployment Claim

Learn how -- and where -- to file your claim for unemployment benefits.

Denied Unemployment: Should You Talk to a Lawyer?

If you decide to challenge an unfair denial of unemployment benefits, your ex-employer will probably be represented by a lawyer throughout the process, and you should be too.

Denied Unemployment Benefits: The Appeal Process

If your unemployment claim is denied, here's how to appeal the decision.

Collecting Unemployment: Are You Able, Available, and Actively Seeking Work?

You are eligible for unemployment benefits only if you're able to work -- and looking for a job.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File for Unemployment Benefits?

An employment lawyer can help you file for unemployment and avoid pitfalls that can lead to denial of benefits.

What Will a Lawyer Charge in Your Unemployment Case?

Find out how much it will cost to get legal help with your unemployment claim.

Do I have to take a job that would require an hour-long commute?

Am I going to have to look for work that would require a long commute?

Can I get unemployment if I quit to avoid getting fired?

Is there any downside to saying that I quit rather than that I was laid off?

Do I have to submit proof that I'm searching for a job to get unemployment?

I'm doing most of my job search online, so I'm not sure what I'll need to provide to keep getting benefits.

Can I get unemployment benefits if I quit my job to care for my injured child?

Can I still get unemployment benefits if I quit for this reason?

Can I Collect Unemployment If I Lost My Job Due to Natural Disaster?

Employees who are unable to work due to natural disaster can get federal assistance.

Collecting Unemployment After Leaving Job Due to Domestic Violence

Some states allow you to collect unemployment benefits if you had to quit your job because of domestic violence.