Unemployment Insurance (Federal Guidance)
Official site: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance
What This Site Is
This Department of Labor page explains how unemployment insurance works and directs you to your state's unemployment office to file a claim.
What You Can Do Here
- Learn how unemployment insurance works
- Find your state unemployment insurance office
- Understand basic eligibility requirements
- Review federal unemployment guidance
Start Here (Pick What You're Looking For)
If you want to...
- Need to file a claim → Find your state unemployment office
- Eligibility questions → Learn who qualifies for unemployment
- Benefit amounts → Understand how payments are calculated
- Duration → See how long benefits typically last
- Rules → Review federal unemployment guidelines
How This Page Works
- Go to dol.gov/general/topic/unemployment-insurance
- Read the overview to understand how unemployment insurance works
- Click "State Unemployment Insurance Offices"
- Select your state and go to its unemployment website
- Gather required documents (ID, work history, employer information)
- File your claim and certify weekly as required by your state
Common Things to Search For
- How to file for unemployment
- Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
- How much unemployment will I receive?
- How long do unemployment benefits last?
- Finding my state unemployment office
Good to Know
- Unemployment insurance is administered by states, not the federal government
- You must file in the state where you worked
- Eligibility rules and benefit amounts vary by state
- Most states require you to actively look for work
- Unemployment benefits are taxable income