You file for benefits and are accepted as eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits which is a relief as it will help towards expenses until you can find another job. Every week you file a claim you receive a check. Is that all there is to it? Are there any details which you should be informed about?

Probably you would appreciate being in the know about such things as the Eligibility Reviews which periodically are scheduled. The Eligibility Review is in effect a personal interview at your local office. You will find a message printed on your claim giving you the day and time of the interview. You cannot process this claim for payment until after the interview so you should not mail the claim. You should answer the Eligibility Review Questions therein but wait until you are instructed by the claims office interviewer to sign the mail claim. You will be required to show that you have searched for work in at least three places in order to continue to qualify for benefits. Your claim could be affected if you failed to keep your appointment for the Eligibility Review. Another important step is to register with the WIN Job Center even if you are registered with a union or a private employment center. Your eligibility for benefits would be affected if you did not register for work at the WIN Job Center.

Some people may wonder about working part-time or doing odd jobs to add to the benefit check. This is perfectly acceptable as long as all wages are reported on your weekly claims form. There is a question asking “Did you work last week?” so all you have to do is to report the dates you worked. Name the business you worked for as well the rate of pay and number of hours worked. This information should be noted even if you haven´t yet been paid for the work. Report your total earnings before deductions. You may earn $40.00 before any deductions will be taken from your weekly benefit amount. When you are offered a suitable job you must accept it or your benefits could be denied for up to 12 weeks. If you go back to full-time work notify your claims representative or note the dates you will start work on your weekly claims form.

Federal income tax can be paid out of each check you receive or you can pay when you file your tax returns. You should know that if you do not agree with an eligibility decision both your employer and yourself have the right to appeal and receive a hearing. Within 14 days of the decision you should request an appeal in writing. This can be done at your local WIN Job Center or you can mail your written request to MDES, Appeals Department, P.O. Box 1699 Jackson MS, 39215-1699. Continue to file your weekly claim forms as long as you remain unemployed. You will be given a hearing as soon as possible and the written decision by the Administration Appeals Officer should arrive within 14 days.

These are some of the things you need to know to help you through the difficult time of unemployment.

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