The Covid-19 pandemic has led the hospitality industry into unchartered waters, and many in the hospitality industry are in need of a financial lifesaver to help them get through this challenging time. One option available is government assistance, in the form of unemployment insurance. Below we've broken down essential details to know and how to go about applying for aid.
What is Unemployment Insurance?
The U.S. Department of Labor's programs provide unemployment benefits to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and meet certain other eligibility requirements.
Unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers. Each state administers a separate unemployment insurance program, but all states follow the same guidelines established by federal law.
Am I Eligible?
While each state sets its unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines, generally you may qualify if you:
- Are unemployed through no fault of your own.
In most states, this means you have to have separated from your last job due to a lack of available work. - Meet work and wage requirements.
You must meet your state's requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a "base period," which is typically, the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before the time that your claim is filed. - Meet any additional state requirements.
While some states require proof that you are actively seeking employment for each week that you file, specifying "temporary Covid-19 separation' may in allow you to circumvent this requirement.
Find details of your own state's program.
How Do I Apply?
To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked. Depending on the state, claims may be filed in person, by telephone, or online.
- Contact your state's unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.
- File your claim with the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency where you now live can provide information about how to file your claim with other states.
- When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your former employment. To make sure your claim is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information.
- It generally takes two to three weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check.
Have more information to share with the hospitality community? Please email us ([email protected]) as we are continuing to add and update resources as the impact of the pandemic continues to evolve.