So, maybe you just lost your job, or have been looking for a new job. CBS 2 has put together a list of questions and answers to help you navigate the process.
Q) I just lost my job, how do I apply for unemployment benefits?
A) Under a new federal law that took effect on Nov. 21, up to 20 weeks' worth of emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) benefits are now available for eligible individuals. Previously, individuals could only receive up to 13 weeks' worth of EUC benefits.You should apply on the very first full working day that you are unemployed. In Illinois,
you can apply for benefits online or you can go to one of the
state's unemployment offices. The online process will take about 30 minutes.
Q) What information will you need to file a claim?
A) Be prepared to provide:
1) Social Security Number and name as it appears on your Social Security card.
2) If claiming your spouse or child as a dependent, the Social Security Number, date of birth and name of
dependent(s)
3) Employer's name, mailing address, employment dates, and separation reason for all employers worked for since 10/01/2007 to 01/27/2009
4) If you are not a United States citizen, your Alien Registration Information
5) If you worked since Sunday of this week, the amount of gross wages earned this week. (You must report all gross wages for any work performed, full or part time. Your gross wages are the amount you earned before any deductions, not your take home pay. Wages in the form of lodging, meals, merchandise or any other form should be included. Gross wages must be reported the week in which they are earned, not the week in which you receive the wages. If your gross wages earned in any week are less than your weekly benefit amount, you still may be eligible to receive a full or partial benefit payment.)
Q) How are benefits determined?
A) The level of benefts depends on how much you earned before you lost your job. The amounts are calculated using a variety of factors.
You can read more about that here. The minimum amount of benefits for an individual is $51 a week; the maxiumum is $369 per week. Claimants with non-working spouses or dependent children are eligible for more.
Q) How long does it take to starting getting benefits?
A) It takes about two weeks for the forms to be processed. At that time,
you will be asked to call a phone number to activate your payments.
Q) Can I file for extended benefits?
A) When your regular benefits run out, an extended benefits claim (EUC 08) will automatically be established in most cases. Once this claim is established, you will receive a "findings" letter indicating your eligibility for the extension.
Q) I live in Indiana, how does the process work there?
A) To apply for unemployment benefits, go to
Uplink CSS or if you don't have internet access, go to your nearest full service
WorkOne Center as soon as you become unemployed. You will be required to report your last employer's name, mailing address, phone number & dates of employment as well as your address, social security number & phone number.
Q) In Indiana, how are benefits determined?
A) It depends on how much you earned before you lost your job. The minimum amount paid per week in Indiana is $50, while the maximum is currently $390.
Q) Are there any tools to help connect me to other people who are going through the same difficulties I'm facing?
A) JoblessInChicago.com is one site that might help you feel like part of a community. Members post job search tips, networking events and much more.
Q) OK, now I really want to work. How do I find jobs?
A) There are companies that are actually hiring. Here are a few links that provide information on job fairs.
JobsInChicago.com
ChicagoJobResource.com
Illinois Department Of Employment
Indiana Career Connect
Q) What if I need further training or help preparing for the GED?
A)
The National Able Network has been providing hope to job seekers for 32 years in the form of job training programs, counseling and classes that not only improve educational skills, but prepare older workers for today's job market. They have locations in the Loop and in Pilsen at 1657 Blue Island Ave. Outside of Chicago, Poet is located at 80 River Oaks Dr. #400. WorkNet has an Evanston location at 1615 Oak Street, and Arlington Heights location at 1723 W. Algonquin Rd.
Q) I'm over 55 and lost my job. Is there help specifically for older workers?
A)
Age Options helps connect older adults with community-based resources in suburban Cook County. The agency places job seekers in temporary positions while helping them search for permanent work.
And
AARP's National Employer Team includes companies that welcome older workers. Some of those companies include Home Depot, Target, AT&T and Comcast.
Other helpful sites include
RetirementJobs.com,
Workforce50.com and
SeniorJobBank.org
Q) I haven't written a resume in years. Are there tips to help me?
A) The best resume is the one that quickly summarizes your work history and skills. No matter which resume format you use,
there are 9 rules for resumes. Along with the resume, you should always send a cover letter or letter of application.
It should be neat, brimming with confidence and it should specifically address the job for which you apply.
Q) A lot of companies are taking resumes on-line. Are there tips that can help me get noticed?
Online job boards such as Monster, Yahoo! HotJobs, and CareerBuilder, make it easy for you to identify plenty of interesting job openings. But many qualified job seekers find themselves submitting resume after resume without any response from hiring managers.
Tip: Speed wins.
Q) How can I keep my job search organized and efficient?
A) One site we found,
HappyJobSearch.com, has tools to keep track of your applications, cover letters and resumes.
Q) Hooray! I got a job interview. What can I do to prepare?
A) The best way to be prepared for the actual job interview is to plan ahead for questions and practice your answers.
Here are the top 50 questions asked during interviews. Impressing an interviewer isn't as hard as you might think. How can you make a positive impression?
Turn the table on the interviewer and ask interested, sincere questions. This is where your research into the company can make a difference.
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