Unemployment Questions

urahonky

Hello.

I just recently got terminated from my temporary part time position. Among the reasons was that they are going to be hiring two new full-time people to do what I was doing. I was working at an IT help desk position, and they were looking for some new MIS undergrads to take my position. I have been there for about 2.5 years, and have been working toward my CS degree since day 1.

The thing I am currently confused about Unemployment is how you keep the benefits. I have been reading on the site and it says that I have to be actively looking for a job. How does one prove this? I'd like to take this opportunity to get my degree faster than when I have to work fulltime AND take classes (which normally doesn't end well).

I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on this. I'm in Ohio if that makes a difference. Thanks!

Dynagrip

in texas they send you a work journal form to fill out. if asked you have to show them proof in the form of completed journal sheets. i just kept track of my searches in a notebook and figured i'd transfer them if necessary. i was unemployed for a couple of months and i was never asked to provide proof of my ongoing job search. down here the requirement was pretty minimal.

good luck with the job hunt.

Esh

You basically have to spend a predetermined amount of time per week "looking" for work. There's usually a set number of "job search" contacts you have to provide as well if asked for confirmation. They occasionally audit people to make sure you're not just sitting on your couch eating Cheetohs.

Crashtard

Like the other said, it varies from state to state. I was on unemployment in Michigan once, and not one time did they ever ask me to prove I was looking for work. All we had to do was upload our resume into their jobs data bank and you were all set. I just sat at home and cashed the checks.

urahonky

Huh, interesting. Yeah I'm not looking to abuse this, but if I can use this time to get my degree quicker, I figure why not?

The reason I ask this is because every time I talk about being unemployed everyone tells me to take unemployment and use that money to pay for food and stuff, and use my extra time to go to classes. I am not looking to "cheat" the system, just trying to figure out what I can do to make this work for my wife and I.

And thanks Dyna

MichaelLC

In Illinois, they give you a form to fill out as you apply for stuff - Company, Date, etc. They say IDES (Unemployment) can ask for it at anytime, so keep it current. I also call into an automated system every two weeks and answer questions - Am I looking for work, Did I do any part-time that week, etc. Depending on my answers, they figure out how much I should get and send a check/deposit slip.

Something to look into now is the federal training money for the unemployed, called WIA; you may benefit since you're in IT. Some other federal program info.

firewaterword

In CA, it's register online, then fill out a form with every check detailing the jobs you apply to. It's kind of silly considering the prevalence and process of Craigslist ads, but whatever I guess.

illig

in NY, everything is done online, and once a week you have to call an automated system, and verify verbally that you've been looking for work

so yeah, file away... worst thing that will happen is you'll get denied

Æthelred

Are you sure you can claim unemployment benefits whilst in education?

clsCorwin

Depends. In Cali they want you available to look for work during normal working hours, 8-5. If you take online classes, or classes after 5pm, its all good.

urahonky

Shit you might be right. That's pretty stupid that you can't get unemployment if you're going to school... But I guess I see why they would do that. The only time I'm unavailable from 8-5pm is on Tuesday/Thursdays from 2:15 - 5:30. So I could work an additional hour M, W, F if they want me to hit the 40 hours.

khain

Æthelred wrote: »

Are you sure you can claim unemployment benefits whilst in education?

I assume it varies by state, but in Washington you're required to tell them and get permission to go to school even if you're looking for a new job simultaneously. Also this might be Washington specific as well, but there are several programs that if you apply for will pay you unemployment and remove the job search requirements and may pay for part of your education costs as well.