Apply for unemployment insurance through your state
Unemployment insurance can pay you after a job loss through no fault of your own, but each state runs its own program and sets its rules.
What it costs
Time to file a claim and continue meeting your state's requirements while you look for work.
What you get
Unemployment insurance can pay you money if you lose your job through no fault of your own. There is no federal unemployment program; each state manages its own unemployment insurance program and pays benefits.
Notes
Apply as soon as possible after you lose your job. Deadlines, eligibility rules, payment amounts, and benefit duration vary by state, so check your state's unemployment office and file there promptly. In most cases, you should file in the state where you worked, not the state where you live. You may be able to file online or by phone.
Sources
- USAGov — Unemployment benefits