Unemployment benefits differ by state. In general, benefits cover six months of active job searching, and can be extended under certain circumstances. How much you collect also varies based on earned income and time on the job.

Conditions

To be eligible for unemployment you must meet certain conditions including, but not limited to: involuntarily left your previous place of employment, income requirements, and able and willing to work.

How Long Benefits Last

The packages vary from state to state, but most last for 26 weeks. After the initial benefits are exhausted, there are a number of extensions for which you can apply. Recently, the federal government has extended unemployment benefits due to high unemployment rates nationwide.

How Much You Can Collect

The amount of compensation you collect from unemployment varies from state to state and depends on a number of factors, including: previous wages, amount of time at your previous position, state unemployment caps, and how many hours worked per week. The state will then give you a percentage of your weekly income. For example, the maximum weekly benefit in California is $450; in Connecticut it's $576; in Florida it's $275.

Taxed Benefits

Benefits are mostly subject to federal income tax and must be claimed when filing your taxes.

Register with State Job Services

You must register with the state job service in order to be eligible for benefits. To continue to receive unemployment, you must show that you are actively seeking work and are unable to find it.

Source:

San Francisco Chronicle

Washington Post

Resource:

Unemployment Phone Number