Unemployment Benefits for Women

If you have lost your job, are in between jobs, or are having difficulty finding a job you may experience financial problems. Not having a job can lead to a lot of stress, as well as make it challenging to pay for bills and make ends meet each month. Unemployment can be a scary time for anyone, but especially for women, who may have dependent children to take care of. There are unemployment benefits for women, and depending on the circumstances surrounding your situation, you may qualify to receive unemployment benefits.

Unemployment Benefits Eligibility

The important thing to know about unemployment benefits for women is that in order to be eligible you have to be unemployed through no fault of your own. What that means is that you had to have lost your job, been laid off, let go, the company closed, etc. To be eligible for unemployment you have to not have a job, and it’s not your fault that you don’t have one. Those who seek unemployment have recently lost their job through no fault of their own, and are unable to quickly find another one. Unemployment befits help to provide you with money until you are able to get hired at another job.

Many people who do not have a job wonder if they will meet the eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits. If you quit your job or don’t want to have one, then you will most likely not qualify for unemployment benefits. You can still apply, just to be sure, but usually unemployment benefits are for those who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Additionally, each state has a requirement of how long you must have been working prior to being unemployed in order for you to be eligible to receive benefits. Some may require you to have been employed for the prior 12 months leading up to being unemployed.  

If you were fired from your job you may still be able to obtain unemployment benefits, especially if the company thought you were not a good fit for the position. No matter what the reason why you were fired, you may still want to apply to see if you qualify to receive the benefits.

How to Apply

The unemployment benefits program is run by each individual state. Therefore, you will need to contact the unemployment office in your area. Each state varies some in the application process, but will often allow you to apply online, over the phone, or in person. Check with your state unemployment office to see how they prefer people apply for benefits.

Those who are approved for unemployment benefits will typically be able to get up to 26 weeks of benefits, unless they are able to obtain a job sometime during that time. There are some states that allow people to get an unemployment benefits extension once the 26 weeks is up. The extension can be up to 13 additional weeks of receiving unemployment benefits. Women who are receiving the benefits will need to meet the requirements set forth in order to continue receiving the benefits.

Each person’s case will be looked at individually in determining how much unemployment benefits you can receive each week. Most states have a maximum amount that people can receive, and they base your amount off of a percentage of what your income was while working.

To apply for unemployment benefits you will need your social security number, identification, and the names and addresses of your most recent employers. You may be required to submit additional information when applying. If approved for unemployment benefits you may also be required to submit information weekly showing that you are actively looking for employment.

Additional Information

You can be denied unemployment benefits. However, if you feel you are entitled to them, you can appeal the decision, and you can even obtain an attorney to help you with the case. Unemployment benefits for women can be an important tool for helping people who are between jobs and need the financial assistance.

It is important to note that you will have to pay income taxes on the unemployment benefits that you receive. They are considered income, so keep in mind that they will need to be turned in when you file your taxes, and you will have to pay any necessary taxes on the income.