5 Helpful Hints to Remember When Claiming Weeks of Unemployment Benefits
Congratulate yourself for surviving thus far in the world of unemployment. Unemployment is a stressful, frustrating, and sometimes scary experience and the entire application process of claiming unemployment benefits can be very uncertain. When the application process for unemployment is complete and you are finally granted unemployment benefits, the journey of maintaining benefits begins.
Each state has their own guidelines in claiming unemployment benefits and may require additional information. I strongly suggest that you review the guidelines thoroughly to gain an understanding of what is required of your home state. I have complied a general overview of 5 helpful hints to remember when claiming weeks of unemployment benefits:
1. Report all earnings. Remember that any part time, temp or contractor position you obtain for the weeks of unemployment is considered earned income. I have found that making only $50 for the week is still considered income. Also keep in mind that accepting part time work does not necessarily make you ineligible for unemployment payments, it may very well increase your benefits. Check with your state unemployment representative for details.
2. Keep accurate records of employment contacts, numbers, and websites. After a certain period of weeks on unemployment, the workforce commission may periodically ask for at least one work search contact name and number for the claim weeks requested.
3. Pay careful attention to questions asked when claiming weeks of unemployment. Due to the innovation of technology, you are able to request claims for unemployment via telephone or Internet. Be sure to give these questions your undivided attention with no distractions. An incorrect answer to unemployment questions can jeopardize your eligibility for benefits.
4. Remember, taxes are not automatically taken from unemployment benefits payments. You must specifically request that taxes be taken out. If you choose not to have taxes withdrawn from payments, be advised that when this income is claimed on your taxes via 1099-G for the tax year, you will have to pay taxes on this amount. For additional information or advisement: contact your tax advisor/specialist or the IRS for further explanation.
5. Keep a record of unemployment benefits received and the full benefit amount. The full benefit amount of unemployment payment was allotted at the time your original claim was accepted. This is the total amount of money that you are entitled to throughout your benefit year. Be sure to watch this amount closely. Even though you are eligible for unemployment benefits for a year, your benefit “amount” may only cover a certain number of months during the time of unemployment with no income earned.
Review your unemployment guideline package for more detailed information or call your workforce commission representative for additional help. Please see the following link below for general policies and procedures on unemployment insurance benefits furnished by the Economic Policy Institute.
Each state has their own guidelines in claiming unemployment benefits and may require additional information. I strongly suggest that you review the guidelines thoroughly to gain an understanding of what is required of your home state. I have complied a general overview of 5 helpful hints to remember when claiming weeks of unemployment benefits:
1. Report all earnings. Remember that any part time, temp or contractor position you obtain for the weeks of unemployment is considered earned income. I have found that making only $50 for the week is still considered income. Also keep in mind that accepting part time work does not necessarily make you ineligible for unemployment payments, it may very well increase your benefits. Check with your state unemployment representative for details.
2. Keep accurate records of employment contacts, numbers, and websites. After a certain period of weeks on unemployment, the workforce commission may periodically ask for at least one work search contact name and number for the claim weeks requested.
3. Pay careful attention to questions asked when claiming weeks of unemployment. Due to the innovation of technology, you are able to request claims for unemployment via telephone or Internet. Be sure to give these questions your undivided attention with no distractions. An incorrect answer to unemployment questions can jeopardize your eligibility for benefits.
4. Remember, taxes are not automatically taken from unemployment benefits payments. You must specifically request that taxes be taken out. If you choose not to have taxes withdrawn from payments, be advised that when this income is claimed on your taxes via 1099-G for the tax year, you will have to pay taxes on this amount. For additional information or advisement: contact your tax advisor/specialist or the IRS for further explanation.
5. Keep a record of unemployment benefits received and the full benefit amount. The full benefit amount of unemployment payment was allotted at the time your original claim was accepted. This is the total amount of money that you are entitled to throughout your benefit year. Be sure to watch this amount closely. Even though you are eligible for unemployment benefits for a year, your benefit “amount” may only cover a certain number of months during the time of unemployment with no income earned.
Review your unemployment guideline package for more detailed information or call your workforce commission representative for additional help. Please see the following link below for general policies and procedures on unemployment insurance benefits furnished by the Economic Policy Institute.
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