After the pandemic caused by coronavirus, the United States government implemented a program to offer unemployment insurance which could support citizens of its country who were laid off or suspended, thus losing their economic income.
Although this program has been in effect for several months and has undergone modifications and extensions, it is important to mention that increasingly more people have the need to request the benefit due to economic instability and the historical low, so doubts regarding it are the first to arise in interested citizens.
Before discussing the most common doubts regarding unemployment insurance, we have the responsibility to inform you that carrying out an application of this type, with the help of a labor attorney, is the most convenient way to guarantee the approval of the benefit.
At Conexión Legal we have labor attorneys specialized in matters such as filing for unemployment benefits, as well as cases of wrongful termination, so when you contact us you will receive the legal advice you need without spending a penny from your pocket; contact us through WhatsApp or Schedule your Consultation to learn about the alternatives.
1 - Am I eligible to receive unemployment insurance?
To be a candidate to receive unemployment benefits, you must meet a series of requirements, such as:
- Being involuntarily unemployed and for reasons that were not your responsibility.
- Being able and available to work full-time.
- Actively seeking work full-time.
- Meeting the minimum salary requirements.
The minimum salary requirements depend on your income during the standard base period. To meet the minimum income requirements you must have:
- Received income in at least two of the quarters of your standard base period.
- Earned at least $3,589 dollars in one of the quarters.
- Generated total income from all four quarters of at least 1.5 times more than the maximum income you were paid in a single quarter.
If you earned $5,000 dollars in the quarter you achieved, your total salaries from all four quarters must be at least $7,500 dollars.
2 - What do I need to apply for unemployment benefits?
You should have in order and within your reach information such as:
- Your Social Security number.
- Your driver's license number or state identification.
- The names, addresses, employment dates and salaries paid by employers you had in the last 18 months.
- The routing and transit number of your bank, as well as your bank account number in case you want payments deposited directly.
- Your immigrant registration number and the expiration date of your work authorization, in case you are not a citizen of the U.S.
- Your personal identification number or PIN from any unemployment benefit claim you have filed in the past
- Read the article How to apply for unemployment benefits for information on how to do it.
3 - What happens after applying for unemployment benefits?
After applying for unemployment benefits, a determination will be made as to whether you are eligible and meet the requirements to receive benefits in which you will be notified:
- If you meet the requirements and are eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
- How much your weekly payments could be.
- For how many weeks you could receive benefits.
- You will receive a separate notice if there is a problem with your claim regarding requirements compliance or eligibility.
4 - How much can I receive in unemployment benefits?
You can receive up to $362 per week for 14 to 20 weeks.
The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) calculates the amount of your weekly benefit by multiplying 4.1% by your highest income from the quarters of the base period. Additionally you will receive $6 per week for each dependent you claim (it is possible to claim up to five dependents); however, your benefits cannot be more than $362.
For example, if your highest income during the base period was $5,000 and you have three dependents, your weekly benefits could be $223 ($5,000 x 4.1% = $205 + (3 x $6) = $223).
To calculate the number of weeks you can receive benefits, multiply your total salary during the base period by 40% and then divide by the amount of your weekly benefit.
Contact Conexión Legal by calling 1800 201 1220 or writing to our WhatsApp and you will receive the free legal assistance you need with Hispanic attorneys willing to represent you before court.
Follow the steps of the following form to schedule your free consultation appointment.
