How To Find Out How Unemployment InsuranceWorks

I was going to try to explain it, but there turned out to be too much. Instead, let me sum up.

As we are coping with this unprecedented crisis, many workers are finding themselves with reduced hours or unexpectedly laid off. Many look forward to returning to work for their employers, who are just as eager to have them back. Others may need to take time off due to illness or quarantine.

The government has programs to support people facing a loss of income, including unemployment insurance. Filing a claim can help support you and your family, and help mitigate the impact to our economy.

But each state (plus two territories and Washington, D.C.) have different benefits in different scenarios.

Some states have waived the usual one-week waiting period. Some have waved work-search requirements, and all but the U.S. Virgin Islands have waved in-person requirements and are encouraging applicants to apply online. Some also allow application over the phone. Some states have insurance programs for the self-employed, and some have sick leave programs that cover some absences but not others.

No state had yet implemented disaster unemployment assistance as of March 20, but several are recommending applying for unemployment even if you may not currently qualify, in case disaster unemployment assistance becomes available.

Additionally, you may face difficulty applying. The systems are trying to process 10x the number of applications. Some sites are able to scale gracefully, but others are struggling to keep up.

You can try applying late at night or in the early morning, unless you are in Kentucky, West Virginia or Minnesota. In those three states, the web sites have limited hours. New Hampshire and New York are asking that you use a specific day and time block based on the first letter of your last name; check their websites for up-to-date instructions.

If you are having trouble navigating the process, you can reach out to your state’s unemployment office. Most have phone numbers and/or email addresses listed on their websites. Many local newspapers have also written articles that can help you find local resources and support.

Almost every state has produced specific information filing in light of COVID-19. I’ve collected links for each state to the website where you apply and any COVID-19-specific information I could find. This is a stressful time, particularly when facing a loss of income, but hopefully this information can make it slightly easier.