Filing for unemployment?

[SiobhanClancy]

Has anyone ever had to do this? I was wondering if it's better to go in person instead of filing by phone,or if it makes no difference. My case is not certain to be approved,since I was fired. Any advice greatly appreciated,as I am a nervous wreck over the prospect(why didn't I save those two Xanax I had left over from my last flight?)

[MiltonLeBerle]

1. I'm not sure how it works where you are-

But I always thought that the first visit had to be in person.
It's been a while since I went through the process, though.
If you can do it by phone, why not? The unemplyment office is not a fun place to spend the day.

[Booberdawg]

2. Not sure what state you're in

Most places you can file online.

I was laid off in January and did my initial filing online. Have to make a weekly phone call re: number of contacts, etc.

Probably have a waiting period if you were fired for cause. But you should file right away anyway so the waiting period can start now.

good luck

[SiobhanClancy]

5. Massachusetts

and they only give you the choice of filing by phone or in person. The satellite office near me where you can file appears to be a career center with all sorts of expensive services to sell,which seems strange.

[demnan]

3. Been there, done that

Go in person. You will be likely to be approved because your former employer will wish to avoid a lawsuit.

Do it today. There's usually a delay between the time you apply and when you receive your first check.

Take advantage of any services the unemployment office may offer you. It's my experience they are very helpful and resourceful. Bring a book with you, you are liable to have to wait a while. Also bring your resume with you, and a paystub to show your income.

[midnitemoleman]

4. We had to go in person.

Every week or time or wait in the very long line. Mater of fact many
of us were their when the doors opened, that way you would only be a hour or two in waiting. But that was under Ragan and Bush Sr. so who know how it is now.

[xJlM]

6. Here in Ohio

I've filed, and filed every one of my claims over the phone. I imagine it helps that I had filed here before (back in '88), but I don't know what your state is like.

[AntiSmirk]

7. I'm a former unemployment office worker

I worked for the Illinois Department of Employment Security for 10 years, most of that time assiting with claims or adjudicating issues surrounding claims. It's been a few years but I doubt things have changed too much. You methosd of filing will depend on the rules in your state. More and more is being done by phone but you may have to go in person for your initial claim.

Generally, in cases of being fired, the burden of proof is on the employer to demonstrate misconduct on your part.

[BlueJazz]

8. Each state has it's own rules.

Also, each state (usually) has a website that will give you a lot of info.

As for being fired...that depends.
I had a friend that was fired from her job but after going to a Doctor and telling her Doctor the tremendous amount of stress that was acquired because of her job, the state of Minnesota gave her full benefits.
Again though, from what hear, some states can be angels about the whole process and some can be....(trying to think of a word)...oh, yeah, REPUBLICAN about it! :)

[eyesroll]

9. In WI, it's all over the phone...

I'm not even sure if you can do it in person, even the first time around. You punch buttons in an automated system, and if there are problems, you get transferred to a real live person. (There may be a way to do it online now -- the last time I filed was 5 years ago.)

Good luck!

[meegbear]

10. You may not get it ...

I would recommend that you go down to the office though and state your case.

You can also goto their website at: http://www.detma.org and try to get more info.

Good luck.

[THUNDER HANDS]

11. i did

about two years ago. I did it over the phone. I only had to sign up in person and dialed a 1-800 number to get the check mailed out to me.

[ET Awful]

12. In Mass.

As of 2000 (last time I needed it), you could do everything over the phone. Call them, they schedule a time to call you and interview you for the claim. There's like a one week waiting period before benefits are available, then you will start receiving the checks. You have to provide a list periodically of potential employers you've contacted.

[THUNDER HANDS]

14. i never did

I never had to prove I was looking for work at all. They just kept sending me checks whenever I asked.

Ahhh, socialism, gotta love it.

:)

[caledesi]

13. What state are you in?

In Florida, we can file online and it's very reliable.