Since I haven't worked since 2004 why can't I draw unemployment now? ?

Question

I didn't need a job or the money when I closed down my business, but now I can't find a job. So why can't I file for unemployment now? I have worked all my life.

Answer 1

Unemployment is calculated on your recent income from a job, during the last year, and you apparently don't have any.

Self employment income doesn't count anyway.

Sorry, but that's the way the law is written, that's why you can't collect.  Unemployment's purpose is to tide you over for a few months while you look for a new job after getting laid off, or fired but not for misconduct, not just to provide money to people who need it.

Answer 2

Did you read my last answer?

1.  Self-employment income doesn't count towards collecting unemployment.  You can't lay yourself off and collect.

2.  Unemployment looks at your income for the past 15 months.  2004 was too many months ago.  The idea is that U/C helps you find another job immediately.  Not when you finally get around to it.

Answer 3

vb and Judy are right.  Unemployment is funded by your recent former employer(s) - which you didn't have in the time frame that counts.