Question about Unemployment Insurance

Question

My previous employer let me go, actually these were there exact words: "You're services are no longer needed". That's it, i worked for about 2 months. I will be getting a phone interview this week because the UI office is not sure whether or not I really worked and why I am no longer working. I don't even know myself. I should have asked but I didn't. It was too emotional. My supervisor who had to be the bearer of bad news cried while she had me sign a form to get my last checks.

Think I will get approved? I did make the minimal amount of money. But the employer did not report my earnings, I worked April and May of this year. July of 2007 I quit my job after 3yrs of work to go back to school but that didn't work out so I returned to the work force. But that didn't work either and it's been difficult finding a job these days.

Now I would like to return to school, but I think I might have to wait until I know I'm approved for UI, because I don't think I'm allowed to attend school and receive UI money, correct? So, i heard you can receive some type of 'training' while receiving UI. Are they going to offer it to me? or do I have to apply for it on my own? and should I apply for it soon as I start receiving my checks? or apply for it when I ask for an extension? No idea how this works. And does going to college count as training? or do I have to attend a specific training class for people who is receiving UI money?

I'm sorry if i made it sound complicated, any answers would help, thanks

Answer 1

I think you can be a student and receive UI but you must be actively looking for a new job. But, you have to have been working for 12 months at the job you were laid off or fired from to establish a base period....which is what determines what you will be paid in UI (it's based on what you received on average in that base period) I'm sorry but I don't think you can get approved. You can read more here but it may be different in your state.

http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Eligi...

You should go back to school. You can apply for grants through fafsa.edu.gov. Good luck in everything!

Answer 2

I do believe you can go to school while on unemployment. I think you have to apply for fewer jobs during the week, but, I believe you can go to school and be on it. Also, I'm not sure what they may call it in your state, but in my state, it is called Worklinks. They sit down with you and see if you may be in need of training for another area of work, or help you find employment through a variety of media. You should definitely ask about all this school stuff, at the beginning, not after your unemp. begins to run out. As for the employer who didn't report you, I think you may have a difficult time getting your unemployment from them. Even if you can prove that you were employed by them, they still needed to keep up on their insurance policy with unemployment. Employers who let this lapse, are subject to penalties or prosecution by their states, I do believe, but I heard that the employee is the one who is out of luck if their employer doesn't stay current with the insurance policy, as it is exactly that, an insurance policy.

edit:

i was laid off from a job after 11 months, and still was able to collect ui. Perhaps it is different from state to state, I do not know. However, the amount that was paid to me for ui, was based on the amount i earned at my previous jobs, I can't recall for how many years, back. Just apply for it, and see what they say. Also, apply for your college courses, so you don't waste any time. Apply for fafsa, and get some financial aid, pell grant, whatever you can get. Let the ui sort itself out, and if you don't get it, just push forward with your future. Best of luck!