[Babestaaa]

so i've found out that the hospital i work at is going to become shut down. last official work day is march 15 and i've been there since oct 1, 2007 so by that time i would have officially had worked there 20 base weeks and "think" i will be eligible for unemployment benefits but i have a question.

how does unemployment work? i'm going to be starting school full-time next monday and am taking this opportunity as doing better in school and taking on 5classes a semester to finish my BA. faster than planned.

I read some stuff up on NJ unemployment website but from personal experience is there any advise, tips, words of wisdom? is there a possibility i won't be eligible? how long does it last for? approx the amt? etc?

thanks, i greatly appreciate all the help in advance. :)

[lorihmatthews]

I've been on unemployment before (darn dot bomb out here in CA). I'm not sure how it works in NJ, but you can probably file online. I don't believe you can file until you are "officially" not working anymore. Your state's website should show you how much you're eligible for (it will depend on your income).

In CA, I received a check every two weeks. Be careful, though, because you will owe taxes on the income and it will affect your tax return next year.

[Vegas Long Legs]

Wow I find these hospital closings disturbing. I'm sorry. And sorry to the people of NJ.

Its been so long since I was on unemploment so I'll defer to someone who knows more.

[redney]

Babestaaa, I'm sorry to hear your hospital is closing and you're losing your job. That stinks. Good healthcare employees are usually hard to find, so here's hoping you find a new job soon.

You'll need to read through New Jersey's unemployment process to find out about eligibility, how to file and, like Lori said, the tax implications on your UI benefits. To help ya out, I found this link: http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/ui/ui_index.html

Good luck!

[Pursegrrl]

Yes, you probably won't be able to file until things are officially closed out but you're smart to be researching now!!

The last time I was on unemployment was in the mid 1990s so I am sure a few things have changed, such as the ability to file online.

When I filed my claims I had to also list prospective employers I had contacted over the last claim period, to show I was actively seeking new employment.

I got paid every two weeks. It wasn't much but enough to keep me afloat for a few months. I found a new job in Sept. '94 and just stopped filing unemployment claims.

As lorihmatthews posted, you WILL have to declare unemployment money you receive as part of your taxable income, so just be prepared for that.

Best of luck in your search!!

[cfred]

Just to add, in New York, you will not receive a check the first week you are on unemployment (in addition to not receiving one from your employer). I'm not sure if this is true for your state, but it's good to keep in mind potentially for your planning.

[Bag&ShoeLover]

If you are not available to work full time during the day -- you will not be eligible.

[BiloxiBlu]

Yep, Bag and Shoe Lover is correct. You have to be available to work and be willing to accept work, it really is designed to help ppl bridge the gap between jobs when they become unemployed through no fault of thier own (like you). It's not just "free cash" like some ppl (not here) try to make it seem.

[Bag&ShoeLover]

Right now I am on unemployment. I have to be available to work M-F during the day. I do have a part time job where I work mostly nights, but I am available if they want to put me on during the day. I request to have weekends off as that is when I have my son. As long as I report my income and do not work more than 39 hours. I can have my unemployment.

now to find a full time job so my part time job can fund my bag habit.