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Unemployment Articles and Guides
Browse our library of unemployment articles covering claims, appeals, weekly certifications, and benefit calculations — written in plain English by someone who spent 30+ years inside the system.


Your Weekly Certification — What It Is, How to Do It, and How Not to Mess It Up
You filed your claim. You sat through the waiting week. Benefits finally started. You’re relieved — and you should be. But here’s the part nobody warns you about: you’re not done. Not by a long shot. Every single week you’re collecting unemployment, you have to prove you’re still eligible. That process is called a weekly certification — and if you skip it, or mess it up, your benefits stop. Period. What a Weekly Certification Actually Is Think of it as checking in with the st
John Partlow
Jul 33 min read


Step-by-Step: Navigating Unemployment Claims Effectively
Navigating the unemployment claims process can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the system. Whether you have recently lost your job or are facing a temporary layoff, understanding how to file a claim effectively is crucial. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Along the way, it provides practical tips and insider insights from inside the unemployment system. Important: Unemployment rules v
John Partlow
Feb 188 min read


Understanding Unemployment Insurance: A Simple Guide
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
John Partlow
Feb 187 min read


Know Your Rights: What Every Unemployment Claimant Should Understand
When you file for unemployment insurance, you're not just submitting a form and hoping for the best. You're entering a legal process with real rights and protections — and knowing them can make the difference between receiving the benefits you've earned and walking away empty-handed. A person examining unemployment insurance paperwork for clarity and understanding. After more than 30 years working in unemployment insurance, first on the state agency side and now in system mod
John Partlow
Feb 183 min read
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