Many people feel ashamed at the thought of claiming unemployment. It's important to remember that unemployment compensation is not a government handout. Your employer paid money toward unemployment insurance while you were working. You have a right to receive those benefits. You can file for benefits by phone and should begin the process once you've formally left your job. You'll receive your first compensation check approximately two weeks after losing your job, depending on whether or not you received any severance. You'll need to call in once a week thereafter to keep your account active and to keep receiving benefits. You'll receive your first claim check 2-3 weeks after filing.

To find the unemployment center in your state, go to:
http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/map.asp or you can locate your state unemployment center in your local telephone book.

To get your benefits, you'll need to provide your Social Security number, address, phone number you can be reached at, and pay stub, and names and addresses for all employers within the past 18 months. The amount you'll be paid is calculated based on your salary prior to job loss. The amount you'll receive, and for how long you'll receive benefits, varies state by state. Remember that tax isn't withheld from unemployment checks, but it is taxable income so you'll need to put money aside so you don't end up having to unexpectedly pay taxes at year-end.

For more information on collecting unemployment insurance, check out the Department of Labor's website at:
www.dol.gov/dol/topic/unemployment-insurance/index.htm#doltopics