What's involved in unemployment benefits
Getting the proverbial "pink slip" signaling a job loss is a daunting experience, but there is assistance available to help keep workers afloat as they look for new jobs.
The current economy has not made the job search an easy task, but applying for unemployment benefits may be done from a home computer. The system is available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.
Job hunters took advantage of the Minnesota WorkForce Center's Resource Room in Brainerd. Computers and Internet access, a reference library, office equipment, networking and workshops along with staff assistance is available to the public. The WorkForce Center works with job hunters and with career planning. Staff is able to assist people with an online job bank and help research local employers who are hiring. The center also works with businesses, helping them find workers. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
The Unemployment Insurance program is online at www.uimn.org with a self-service section for applicants allowing them to apply online and get an estimate of benefits. The online process typically takes about a half-hour to an hour to complete. People also may file for unemployment benefits by phone - at (877) 898-9090 - or in person at the Minnesota WorkForce Center. A staff member cannot fill out the information, but can assist the applicant through the process.
People may apply for benefits the same week they are unemployed or when their hours are greatly reduced.
The state reports the weekly benefit amount is about 50 percent what their average weekly wage was, up to a state maximum of $585. The first week is a waiting week and isn't paid. By state law, if an individual has worked 32 hours or more in a week, they are not eligible for benefits that week. Unemployment benefits are taxable income.
Minnesota's Unemployment Insurance provides temporary benefits, for a partial wage replacement, to workers who have lost jobs through no fault of their own. The benefits, from the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, are entirely financed by a special tax paid by employers. The program was created by the Legislature in 1936 and is administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Those filing for benefits will need their Social Security number, driver's license number or government identification number, mailing address, phone number and birth date along with a detailed employment history of the past 18 months. Each employer's name, address and phone number will be needed along with pay rates and the reason for the job loss or change. There are additional questions about military service, union membership and payments received for severance, sick days, vacation or holidays.
Once established, benefits arrive weekly. Direct deposit into a banking account is an option. Others are sent an unemployment insurance debit card in the mail with payments made to the card. Those receiving benefits can keep track of their account status online.
The unemployed individual needs to report weekly and is expected to be actively seeking suitable work even if the person has part-time or seasonal work.
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.