With unemployment at a 16-year-high in 2009, questions about unemployment benefits are on the minds of many Americans. Luckily, there are places to turn for help, including LawHelp (www.LawHelp.org) and other online resources.
Unemployment insurance is a benefit provided by the state for workers who meet certain eligibility requirements and who are unemployed due to no fault of their own. The specific details of the temporary financial assistance provided are determined by state governments within the guidelines set by federal law.
Presently there are 50 state unemployment insurance programs, with additional programs in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Figuring out how to obtain benefits isn’t always easy, but there is help available.
LawHelp.org (www.lawhelp.org), an online legal information resource, can help locate unemployment insurance information for a user’s state. The site also offers information on how to find free or low-cost local legal help, find a local court, and file paperwork to make claims. LawHelp sites in many states also provide information about job training and placement.
The Federal Department of Labor provides information about unemployment insurance at http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/unemployment-insurance. Information includes: how to file claims; the maximum period for receiving benefits (for most states 26 weeks); and notices of any temporary programs that extend benefits during economic recessions.
NELP, the National Employment Law Project (www.nelp.org) is another resource that provides information on unemployment insurance, including what benefits should be received and how to appeal unemployment claims that have been turned down. They’ve even created a special site for unemployed workers, at http://www.unemployedworkers.org with resources and the latest employment-related news.
