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  According to the United States Department of Labor, unemployment insurance is offered to employees laid off through no fault of their own. Those who qualify are granted a specific amount each week for a specific number of weeks. Although the following guidelines apply to almost everyone, the specifics differ somewhat according to state and county. You may obtain information online from the Department of Labor website. (see Reference 1)
  
  

Notice of Separation

• The notice of separation is an official letter you obtain, usually by certified mail, from your former employer. It will provide the date on which your employment ended and the reason why. This document must be presented to your state department of labor so you can begin receiving unemployment benefits. The information on the form helps determine how much you will receive for how long. Upon submitting it, the department of labor will either complete, or have you complete, some official forms.
  
  

Weekly Claims

• Unemployment is typically issued weekly and may be sent by either check or direct deposit. However, the money does not come automatically. Unemployed people must complete a claim form for each week to receive the money. The claim form is short and consists of questions verifying that the claimant is currently looking for work. This form will also ask you to report any earnings during the week. You may still work part time and collect unemployment. However, you may not exceed your weekly unemployment amount. Claim forms may be completed in person, over the phone or online. If you miss a week, you may claim again the following week. If you miss two weeks, the system assumes you've returned to work full time, and your benefits will stop.
  
  

Work Search Report

• A general stipulation for receiving unemployment benefits is that you regularly look for work. Your state will set a minimum number work-search activities you have to do each week. You must keep a list of these activities and present it if asked.
  
  

Required Meetings

• Each state has different expectations for activities you must attend to retain your benefits. Some may require request one-on-one visits with social workers. Others may ask that you attend group meetings about work-related skills like resume development. Find out what your state requires and attend all mandatory department of labor meetings.