Unemployment Benefit

If you don't have a job or have just lost a job, you may be able to apply for unemployment benefits: money you can collect while you are unemployed. You should go to the state unemployment agency, and it will lead you through the process. There may be some obstacles to overcome, such as if your previous employer challenges your right to receive the benefit. Your former employer might challenge this because the employer has to pay part of the benefit, and if you simply quit your job, the employer will probably not be very happy about paying you any money. You also usually have to show you are actively seeking a job. If you qualify for the benefit, it usually lasts twenty-six weeks, and the amount is based on how much you were making at your last job.