Local Unemployment Offices
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Are you wondering what your local unemployment offices can assist you with now that you've lost your job? Find out more about your benefits, compensation, unemployment laws, and get help finding a new place to work. Don't simply go there or to the online site to file your claim; take advantage of the resources available and you may find yourself back on your feet in a new position sooner than you would have without the assistance available through the unemployment office.
What Local Unemployment Offices Do
At your local office, you can apply for unemployment benefits and compensation (or an extension). In some cases, you may be able to apply online. You can also find out more about state disability programs at your local office. The state disability program covers unemployment as a result of an illness or injury that was the result of your job. Please keep in mind that if you are an independent contractor, you will probably not be eligible for unemployment benefits.
In addition, the unemployment office can assist you in finding a new job. You won't be able to collect unemployment benefits and compensation forever, so one of the one-stop career centers could come in handy for you. In addition to submitting your claims there, you can get free job placement and free job-search assistance. There are phones, recruiting services, and computers with Internet access at your disposal there. If you're feeling a bit rusty in your interviewing skills or you're not sure where to look for a job, there are also skill assessments, career guidance, job-searching workshops, and job-training referrals.
If you're curious about unemployment rates, how they compare to the national unemployment rates, and other statistics for your state, you can often find them on your state's website.
Search by State
To find your local unemployment offices and determine whether you're eligible for unemployment benefits before visiting the office, first search by state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- D.C.
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
You can find out what the unemployment laws are for your state and then locate an unemployment office (or one-stop career center) near you. Because each state can make its own unemployment laws, rules, and programs, you'll need to contact your local office.
Final Thoughts
Your unemployment office can be just what you need to get back on your feet after job loss. Not only can you possibly find that you're eligible for money and benefits to get you through the rough patch until you find a new job, they can help you find jobs you may be interested in and eligible for, and prepare for your next interview. The people there are trained and willing to help you, so find your local unemployment office as soon as possible so that you can take advantage of the resources available to you.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. For example, if you're hoping to use a layoff as an opportunity to venture out on your own and become self-employed, ask if you can pursue that dream rather than conducting the usually mandatory, formal job search. Some offices have guidelines in place for situations like that. If you don't ask important questions while you're at the office (or at least contact a representative via email or telephone before or after your visit), you may find yourself in another less than desirable situation when you do find a job.
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This page has been accessed 44 times. This page was last modified 22:56, 17 October 2009.
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