Sunday, October 26, 2008

Understanding Unemployment Benefits

People are always reluctant to take something that perceived as welfare or handout. It's important for citizens to understand that unemployment benefits is not a welfare. Losing a job sucks, when we moved out and lose my job, I have been thinking of filing a claim but, my pride won't let me. Another reason, I thought it would affect my credit history too. After my last paycheck slip on my hand, I know I need to do something. I was shopping when I bumped to this ex-coworker, and told me she's getting unemployment insurance benefits. And she advised me to file as soon as possible because I might be eligible. If you were discharged because of misconduct, you will be denied a claim for sure. Not sure though, if quitting a job is eligible for unemployment. I quit my job because we move to different state. Well, there's no harm in trying, I went online and filed. I found out it's not welfare, it’s unemployment insurance your employer has been paying for. And it’s a program you’ve been indirectly paying into with each and every paycheck. Your employer has to pay an unemployment insurance tax that you make claims against if you are eligible (and unemployed). You indirectly pay for the insurance because in the absence of that tax, you could theoretically be paid more, either way it's money that RIGHTFULLY YOURS, if eligible.

The process was quick, they sent me a note stating that I am eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits as long as I meet the other eligibility requirements (what other requirements na naman?). They have a records indicating I earned ten times in insured work after the disqualifying separation from my previous employers. I think the eligibility requirements and benefit payouts vary from state to state. Here in state of Iowa, you must have worked and earned a certain amount of wages in work covered by unemployment insurance in the last 15 to 18 months, have lost your job through no fault of your own, be able to work and available for work and be actively seeking work by in-person contact with employers.

The workforce center interviewed me by telephone, it's an informal meeting between claimant and employer and the workforce center representative. The purpose of this fact finding interview is to obtain information about the issue to be resolved (my issue is QUITTING). Following the interview, a decision was made based on the available info they obtained from me and my former employer. The workforce representative informed me that I will be receiving my first payment on this() date and check it with my bank institution, then instructed me to continue filing weekly. Receiving a payment for $200 plus weekly is like a bonus for me, but it doesn't mean I will stop searching for work. In fact, I was done with my job interview in the hospital and looks like I will get the job (hopefully). And Diamond JO Casino called me for an interview on Thursday. I'm not sure if I want to be a cocktail server but I heard the tips is good. Well, wish me luck. So for you unemployed people out there, we live in the land of opportunity and there’s always something around the corner, so until that corner turns you should consider filing for unemployment benefits.

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