Unemployment Articles and Guides

What that letter from the state actually means, why your last paycheck doesn't count, and what to do if the number looks wrong. That letter from the state arrives after you file for unemployment: your “monetary determination.” It shows a benefit amount that feels either like a lifeline or a letdown. But what does it actually mean? Why does it often ignore your most recent paycheck? And what should you do if the number looks off? When you file for unemployment, you’ll receive

You certified this week. You checked the box that says yes, you looked for work. But here's the part most people don't realize until it's too late: your state isn't just asking you to look — they're asking you to be able to prove it. Quick answer: States typically require 1–5 documented job contacts per week, most commonly 3 — check your specific number, don't guess. A "contact" means applying, sending a resume, attending a job fair, or directly contacting an employer — brows

You filed your claim. You certified for your first week. You watched the payment portal. And then... nothing. Before you panic and call the agency, there’s something you need to know — something that’s almost certainly explained in your paperwork, but easy to miss when you’re stressed and watching for a deposit. That first week probably wasn’t supposed to pay. It’s called the waiting week, and it’s built into the system on purpose. What the waiting week is The waiting week is

Most people assume quitting disqualifies them automatically. Here’s what the system actually looks at. If you recently left a job — and you made the decision to walk away — your first instinct might be to assume unemployment benefits are completely off the table. That instinct is wrong. And just like with discharges, it costs people thousands of dollars every year. Here’s the truth from someone who spent 30 years inside the unemployment insurance system: quitting does not aut

Most people assume being fired disqualifies them. Here’s what the system actually looks at. If you just lost your job — and your employer ended your employment — your first instinct might be to assume unemployment benefits are off the table. That instinct is wrong. And it costs people thousands of dollars every year. Here’s the truth from someone who spent 30 years inside the unemployment insurance system: being discharged does not automatically disqualify you. What matters i

Losing your job is stressful enough without having to navigate a system that feels like it was designed to confuse you. I spent over 20 years working inside state unemployment agencies — and another decade helping states modernize their systems. I've seen what works, what trips people up, and what the agency is actually looking for when they review your claim. This guide is my attempt to cut through the noise and give you a straight-up, honest explanation of how unemployment