Can I File for Unemployment Online?

• Yes, many states offer online filing, though their systems may be compatible with specific operating systems and browsers only. If you have system compatibility problems, try filing at your local library or on a friend's computer.
  
  

What Documents Will I Need?

• It depends on the state. At minimum, you'll need your own Social Security number, your last pay stub and information on your most recent employer or employers.
  
  

What if I Get Denied?

• Call up your unemployment office, or pay them a visit, to find out if the rejection is due to a processing error. If your state says that you are ineligible for unemployment, you may file an appeal.
  
  

Will Unemployment Help Me Find a Job?

• In some states, people who apply for unemployment must sign up with a public job bank that can match you with potential employers. Unemployment offices also may be CareerOneStop centers (see the Resource section), which are part of a federal program that can help you find a job.
  
  

How Long Do My Benefits Last?

• Each state has its own unemployment limits, which can stretch up to 26 weeks. In states with high unemployment, emergency benefits may be extended for some unemployed workers.