How to: Recover after a layoff

Apply for unemployment benefits

Find out if you may be eligible, and apply for unemployment benefits.

• Look up your state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program eligibility requirements in the Benefits Finder.
• If you think you may be eligible, apply online. You will need the start and end dates of your last job, and the address of your former employer.
• If you are disqualified or denied benefits, your state will have a process for filing an appeal.
• On your worksheet: For your last job, note employer, start and end dates. Record UI program phone number and date you apply for benefits.

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