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 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