How Long Does It Take To Get Approved for Unemployment (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 1 Week

If you’ve recently lost your work, you’re undoubtedly eager to get your unemployment benefits started. Unemployment benefits are offered to persons who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own. You must make a claim with your state’s unemployment department to be eligible for benefits.
The agency will next analyze your application, maybe conduct an interview with you (and your most recent employer), and determine your eligibility. See who Is eligible for unemployment for more information on unemployment eligibility standards. If you are found to be eligible for benefits, the agency will compute your benefit amount and begin paying you.

How Long Does It Take To Get Approved for Unemployment?

An unemployment claim is validated by the state within a week. During this period, agency reviewers must confirm the specifics of your employment history, wages, and reason for leaving with your prior employer. They may need to contact the visitor to verify the authenticity of your claim. Due to the extraordinary number of unemployment claims, the customary week-long procedure is expected to take longer than anticipated.

If you reside in a state where PUA isn’t yet in effect, your claim may be refused unless your unemployment office is ready to handle applications from self-employed, freelancing, and gig workers. You may have to submit a new claim when your state begins admitting these claims, or your previously refused claim may be evaluated under the new guidelines.

If someone is turned down for unemployment benefits, they can appeal the decision. The dates and procedures for filing an appeal differ by state, so check the website of your local unemployment office. If your app is trapped in limbo due to a problem, you should get a message with instructions on how to repair it. You’ll be given the option of making the adjustment online or over the phone. This can result in a several-week delay.

Why Does It Take This Long To Get Approved for Unemployment?

Unemployment offices receive a number of claims per day and they are increasing their ability to handle activities by adding additional phone reps, revamping obsolete websites, and extending service hours. It’s also conceivable that your claim hasn’t been processed because you qualify for a program that hasn’t yet been implemented in your state.

1. Creating a Claim

The first step in receiving unemployment insurance is to file a claim for them. You may make a claim for compensation online, over the phone, or by mail in most states. You will be asked to supply basic information about yourself, as well as details about your job and earnings over the previous year and a half and the reason for your unemployment. Make sure you respond to each question thoroughly and properly. Delays will result from any errors or omissions.

2. The Claims Procedure

The state’s unemployment department will assess your claim and acquire any further information needed once you’ve submitted it. The agency may conduct interviews with you to inquire about the details of your application and the cause for your unemployment. The agency may also call your previous employer to inquire about your pay, tenure, and the reason for your departure.

3. Waiting Time

Some states require you to wait a certain amount of time before receiving assistance, no more than a week. You will have to wait a little longer for payment if your state is one of them.

4. Your Initial Check

If you file your claim correctly the first time and there are no qualifying concerns to be resolved by the agency, you should get your first unemployment check within a few weeks of filing.

Conclusion

If there are any snags along the route, such as a claim form error, a disagreement concerning eligibility, or contradicting evidence, the procedure might take longer. Each state has its own set of rules for dealing with unemployment claims. Consult your state’s unemployment department to find out how long you’ll have to wait to start getting benefits. Individuals may also be obliged to make quarterly estimated payments or have withholding tax drawn out from the start of their benefit period.

References

1. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1807224
2. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/260579