When you have been fired from your job, you may wonder how you will stay financially afloat while you search for a new career.
For those individuals who have fallen victim to corporate downsizing because of the economy, there may be hope.
Individuals who lose their jobs for reasons other than performance or behavioral issues may be entitled to unemployment benefits.
These individuals must not have been fired for something that they did; most commonly, people who have been laid off because of tough financial times qualify.
The first step in claiming your unemployment benefits is contacting your state's unemployment agency.
The agency will certify that you have lost your job and that it was through no fault of your own.
This process usually involves paperwork and proof that your job loss was not your fault.
After this process is complete, your state will contact to you to notify you about your status.
If you have been granted unemployment benefits, you will begin receiving checks shortly after your notification.
The amount you receive depends on many factors, including your previous job title and income.
If your application is denied, then you will not receive any benefits, and you must find other methods to retain your financial stability when you are between jobs.
It is important to note that since unemployment benefits do not begin right away, you may be reimbursed for the time between the date you lost your job and the date you received your first check.
It is also important to note that unemployment benefits are not permanent; in many cases, they last only a few months, and they terminate immediately after you are reemployed.