Unemployment

chideltjen · #1 02-17-2005, 02:56 AM

Ok... so this week is turning out to be crappy.

On Monday I was turned down from a job that interviewed to the top of the management for and today I find out that my current job is laying me off.

I'm scared out of my mind because of the lack of benefits AND payment, but I need some cash coming in.

Since my position has been nixed, I'm assuming I can qualify for unemployment. But I checked out the California unemployment website and got really lost. Perhaps it's because I'm a whole lot of different emotions and can't focus on anything.

Anyone ever been through the process? What's it like? How long does it take to start getting paid typically?

Allie · #2 02-17-2005, 05:19 AM

First thing is first...check with your HR if you qualify for unemployment under your state laws. If you don't feel comfortable doing so just drop by the unemployment office.

Second thing is to grab the paper and do some job searching. Call career placement at your school, call up some alumi...just get networking and searching.

Third is make sure your resume is polished before you start sending it out

After you do these your ready to kick back and take a 5 minute breather (no more & no less)

Just kidding

I was very close to being laid off from my lest job, so I know how it feels to just not be sure about anything. Hang in there... it really is tough, but like everything else in life this is a little hill on the path of life

XOMichelle · #3 02-17-2005, 02:58 PM

I think in CA if you haven't been fired for bad performance you qualify for unemployment. But, you have to be looking for another job and you can't have ANY job at all-- part time counts. I'd call an office.

Good luck with the job search! What are you looking to do? Are you looking to move? I live somewhat near you so I may be able to help.

Oh and ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF!!! As your parents for a short term loan if you can, relax a little. You'll find something, but you won't have time off of work for a long time. :-)

chideltjen · #4 02-17-2005, 05:24 PM

Hey Michelle,
I'm up in Sacramento. I'm presently a graphic designer but looking to get into event planning. Thing is, I can't move anywhere because I just signed another lease on my apartment that won't end until October. So I'm kinda stuck here.

I have some leads. I applied for unemployment just in case. But I've been asking around and talking to some of my clients that are involved in the business to see if they know anyone. Worst case scenario, I get my old job back that I had after I graduated. It wasn't bad and paid well. But it wasn't (at the time) in my career path.

XOMichelle · #5 02-17-2005, 05:59 PM

yeah, I dont know about much in the way of event planning, however I do know some people in fundraising.

And you dont' want to commute to the Bay Area??? lol. Sadly, I have heard of people who do it.

chideltjen · #6 02-17-2005, 08:24 PM

I do like Fundraising. I did some of it this holiday season.

PM me if you want.

aephi alum · #7 02-17-2005, 09:51 PM

Sorry to hear you're going through this.

Unemployment rules vary from state to state. In general, if you've been laid off, you can collect unemployment benefits. You are required to be able and willing to work and actively seeking employment.

A word of advice: Don't let the job hunt get you down or consume 100% of your energy. Now is a great time to pick up a new skill or two that will make it easier for you to find a job you love. Now is also a good time to take a little time for yourself.

Good luck.

trojangal · #8 02-17-2005, 10:25 PM

I am so sorry to hear about this...we went through this last summer when the college I taught at cut back 15 positions, and I was one of them. It was kind of a tough summer, but we managed to make it through until I landed my present position.

First things first. Take some time to yourself and don't panic! After you've gotten your head cleared, here's some information that may be helpful. I wish I had known a lot of this before I lost my position!!!

Find out if your company pays into unemployment and when your last date would be at your position. You most likely won't be eligible to start getting unemployment until your first week after your last paycheck.

Each state has different rules regarding unemployment, and even though you've visited the website for your state, it might help to go down to one of the offices in person. You should be able to find out which office is closest to you, and you will probably have to register there. That would also be the time that you register with the unemployment office as well as make yourself available and "actively seeking work".

One thing that a lot of people don't know about until they are in this situation. Unemployment compensation is considered taxable income because it is replacement wages.
You have the option of taking out federal taxes from your unemployment before they issue the check or direct deposit. I recommend this highly; if you choose not to have the taxes taken out, you'll have to pay later ( next year) come tax season.

Also, other things to take into consideration. If you have any credit card or student loan debt, notify them the day after your last day of employment. They can assist you in lowering payments or even using payment protection plan if you have those options. This will help avoid problems that can damage your credit.

Another thing to look at is your insurance benefits, if any, and what the COBRA payments would be. If it looks like continuing coverage would be too expensive, consider buying some short term health insurance to cover the time you aren't working.

I will keep you in my prayers and hope that something will come along soon!

Good luck hon!

ms_gwyn · #9 02-18-2005, 02:21 AM

ummm ..... just as an FYI you can get unemployment while you have a part-time job (in CA, where the original poster lives) ....I should know, I was on umemployment for 2 years, while I kept my part-time job and also getting hired for another part-time job. I had lost my full time position because of the program closure.

stardusttwin · #10 02-18-2005, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ms_gwyn
ummm ..... just as an FYI you can get unemployment while you have a part-time job....I should know, I was on umemployment for 2 years, while I kept my part-time job and also getting hired for another part-time job. I had lost my full time position because of the program closure.

Not sure where you live but thats not true in NY - I had a part time job - 3 days a week - 7 hours total. If you work more than 2 days they count it as full time no matter how many hours you actually worked and will come after you to repay any benefits you received. I know - I'm currently repaying benefits (actually I refused to pay it so they take my state refund every year).

I was told if my part time boss had lied and said I worked T/Th for 6 hours they would have no problem - once he put down that I worked Friday I was deemed ineligible.

When I was laid off from my full time job I was told I was eligible to collect benefits and keep my part time job. I received benefits for 8 weeks and then they called me months later demanding repayment.

I've talked to numerous people they agree its stupid and promise to review it yet I get the same form letter saying the same thing. After I file my taxes this year it should finally be paid back but it took 6 years for them to get it all back from me.

Good ole USA looking out for its citizens once again.....

aephi alum · #11 02-18-2005, 12:32 PM

Whether you can collect unemployment while holding a part-time job, and how much you can collect, varies from state to state.

For example:

In NY, if you work part-time, you lose 1/4 of your weekly benefits for each day you work - even if you only work for five minutes on a given day. So if you work p/t 4 days a week, bye bye benefits. Also, if you earn more than $405 per week, bye bye benefits.

In CT, your benefits check is reduced by 2/3 of whatever you earn. So if you work p/t 4 days a week and are paid $300, your benefits are reduced by $200.

However, the amount that is withheld is banked. So, instead of collecting full benefits for six months, your checks might be smaller, but they'd still be coming in after six months.

Also... even if you have a p/t job, you are still required to be looking for full-time work.

chideltjen · #12 02-18-2005, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ms_gwyn
ummm ..... just as an FYI you can get unemployment while you have a part-time job (in CA, where the original poster lives) ....I should know, I was on umemployment for 2 years, while I kept my part-time job and also getting hired for another part-time job. I had lost my full time position because of the program closure.

I think you can have a part time job and collect unemployment if your total wages from UI and the part time job are still less than your previous salary per month. My friend gave me an example because he was on UI for a while. Say you made $800 a month. UI may pay you $200 and you can get a PT job that pays you $500-600. If you go over $800 with the combined two wages, you don't get UI anymore.

I did turn in my paper work for UI and I should be getting a letter scheduling counseling and such. I have been looking for PT work because I've been thinking about going back to school but I'll take a FT job too, if available.