Unemployment numbers are on the rise, specially with the global economic crisis taking its toll on a number of companies, both large and small. You hear or may have experienced lay-offs and may have been directly or indirectly affected by them in the form of losing your job, or knowing someone who did. Even though losing a job is a tough situation for anyone, not everything is beyond help as there are unemployment assistance programs that put people back on their feet.

Available assistance programs

In the US, there is an unemployment insurance program that previously employed people can avail of. This program is funded by taxes on employers for this purpose. Execution of this program and delivery of the assistance is handled at the state level, so you should apply at the state unemployment insurance agency.

There are several types of unemployment assistance programs that you can apply for, depending on your previous employment. There are programs for people who worked in the private sector, the federal government, and as former military personnel. Your work experience will determine under which program you'll be eligible. Your case could fall under one of these categories.:

* A special program offered is the self-employment assistance. The concept and benefits is pretty much the same; the only difference is that instead of applying for employment, you can use the benefits to start a small business. Instead of working for others, this program allows you to work for yourself and be your own boss.

* There is also a special type of program for people who lost their jobs through a calamity or disaster. This is called the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program. The disaster should be declared as a major disaster by the US President for the program to take effect.

Eligibility

Different states have different requirements for eligibility. But generally speaking, you must meet the following requirements:

* You have worked for at least one year (first four quarters of the last five before you filed your claim).
* You met the minimum wage or time set by state requirements.
* The reason for your unemployment is not your fault.
* You are able-bodied and are willing to work.

Eligibility is determined by local state officials, so you should just file a claim to determine your eligibility. If your case does not meet the requirements above, at least you would know why your claim has been denied.

It is suggested that you file your claim immediately after you lost your employment. This is to ensure that you will get assistance quicker. Some states have a mandatory one week waiting period, so it’s better to apply when you’re situation has not yet turned for the worst.

Speaking of approval, the time frame is two to three weeks, depending on the state you're in. That’s why it’s suggested that you file your claim early, specially if you’re not that confident of your re-employment chances.

For disaster unemployment assistance, this would only kick in if you’re not eligible for the regular unemployment insurance program. Additionally, the loss of work or interruption of work should be due to a disaster or calamity. Other cases include disaster-related injuries, inability to reach your workplace because of the disaster, and becoming the breadwinner because of death or disability of the head of the household caused by the disaster. If you meet these conditions, then you can apply for this program.

Should your claim be approved, that’s not the end of the story. You still have to meet certain conditions to continue your eligibility. Depending on the state, you would be required to send in proofs of attempts to get employed, such as an updated resume, job offers, and refusal of employment notices. Also, some states require you to sign up for state employment assistance programs. What is important here is for you to show state officials that you are doing your part in getting yourself employed. If you fail to convince state officials that you are exerting enough effort, there’s a chance your benefits would be revoked.

Benefits and duration

Benefits are paid on a weekly basis through checks. Generally, the amount that you’ll get would depend on a percentage of your wages earned during a 52-week period and on the state maximum benefit. This calculation is made by the local state unemployment agency.

In most states, the assistance can last for 26 weeks at the most. During this period, you are required to continuously present proofs of eligibility for the program, or get fully employed. But in case you failed to find employment during that period, you can still apply for extended benefits.

Extended benefits

This is a program that you can apply for when your regular benefits have run out. Extended benefits can provide you additional weeks of assistance, once you exhausted your regular unemployment benefits. Usually, the range is from seven weeks to 20 weeks maximum. What you should be aware of is that this program would depend on the state. Additionally, eligibility to the regular unemployment program does not ensure eligibility for the extension. Whether or not you’re going to get extended benefits are wholly dependent on the state laws and programs.

What if your claim was denied?

Of course, not all claims are approved. But these are based on certain guidelines and eligibility requirements set by the state. Should your claim be denied by state officials, you still have recourse to an appeal. Aside from you, you can also contact your previous employer to appeal on your behalf regarding your eligibility.

Help is available!

Losing a job would mean losing your primary source of income, but it’s not the end of the road. Remember that there are unemployment assistance programs that can help you get back on your feet. You can use these programs to ease off some of the financial stress and burden to help you focus more on getting a new job. Instead of moping after getting laid-off, there's reason for you to keep your hopes high.