Unemployment Help USAGov

COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits
COVID-19 extended unemployment benefits from the federal government have ended. But you may still qualify for unemployment benefits from your state.

Contact your state’s unemployment insurance program for the most up-to-date information.

How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits
There are a variety of benefit and aid programs to help you if you lose your job.CareerOneStop.org is a good place to start. It can help with unemployment insurance benefits, job training, and finding a job.

Unemployment Insurance
Am I eligible?
Unemployment insurance programs pay you money if you lose your job through no fault of your own. You must meet your state’s eligibility requirements.

How do I apply?
Each state runs its own program. Select your state from this map to find out how to apply. You may be able to file online, by phone, or in person.

Is there anything else I need to know?
* Some states provide extended benefits when there’s high unemployment. Extended unemployment insurance benefits last for 13 weeks. You can apply for extended benefits only once you’ve run out of regular benefits. Check with your state; not everyone qualifies.

* You must report unemployment benefits as income on your tax return.

Other Types of Benefits and Programs for the Unemployed
Educational Help
Federal agencies offer many unemployment education and training programs. They are generally free or low cost to the unemployed.

Self-Employment Help
Self-employment assistance programs help unemployed workers start their own small businesses. Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, and Oregon offer this program.

Workers’ Compensation for Illness or Injury on the Job
Workers’ compensation laws protect employees who get hurt on the job or sick from it. The laws establish workers’ comp, a form of insurance that employers pay for. These laws vary from state to state and for federal employees.

Benefits Provided by Workers’ Compensation
In general, workers’ comp provides:

* Coverage for workers’ medical expenses

* Compensation for lost wages while a worker is out recovering

* Benefits for dependents of workers who died from job-related hazards

Private Sector and State or Local Government Employees
If you get hurt working for a private company or state or local government, seek help through your state. Yourstate workers’ compensation program can help you file a claim. If your claim is denied, you can appeal.

Longshore and Harbor Workers, Coal Miners, Nuclear Weapons Workers, and Federal Employees
Federal laws protect longshore and harbor workers, coal miners, nuclear weapons workers employed by the Department of Energy (DOE) or a DOE contractor, and federal employees. Contact the workers’ compensation program that applies to you for help filing a claim.