What kind of questions does unemployment ask

For more information, contact your state unemployment office. During times of high unemployment, it can be difficult to reach a real person at the unemployment office. If this happens to you, try the following:. Your state representative may be able to help you get in touch with the unemployment office. In New York, for example, many legislators are assisting unemployed workers with claims issues to get on a list for callbacks from the Department of Labor.

Here's how to find your representatives. Be prepared to share your claim details and your contact information when you call or email. Scott Barer, a labor and employment attorney in California, has one word for anyone trying to contact an unemployment office: tenacity —another way to say stubbornness. Barer says, "Sometimes it takes interminable waits on the phone. Sometimes it takes working your way up the chain of command. It almost always takes tenacity.

One of Barer's clients was denied a claim for unemployment benefits. After finally being able to talk to the person at the unemployment office who was handling her claim, and asking to speak with a supervisor, things seemed to go much more smoothly.

She was even given an inside phone number so she could reach a live person rather than being stuck on "perma-hold. Even once you reach someone in the unemployment office, it's possible they will not have the answers to the questions you are asking.

Don't give up. If you can't get the answer you want, Shahrzad Arasteh, the founder of Career Consulting Services, recommends asking to speak with a supervisor or someone who reviews cases. If the supervisor is not there, leave your number and ask that they call you back. If you don't hear from them in a day or two, call the unemployment office again.

It may also be a good idea to ask an employee there when the supervisor will be in next so you can wait or call back at a better time. If you still can't get the answers you're looking for, Arasteh suggests getting in touch with someone at your state's department of labor, explaining your issue, and asking for help.

The unemployment benefits claims process can be frustrating at a time when more frustration is the last thing you need in your life. But patience and persistence will pay off—literally. There are several reasons that your unemployment benefits could have stopped.

The simplest explanation is that you have used up all the benefits available to you. Benefits vary by state, so unemployment compensation depends on your location and your individual claim. There could also be an issue with your claim.

Arasteh notes that when she worked for a nonprofit workforce-development organization, some of her clients said that their checks had unexpectedly stopped. In some cases, she learned that they had answered "No" to the question of whether they were actively searching for a job, causing the unemployment insurance UI claims to be flagged, and their checks to be stopped.

Arasteh notes that working with a career counselor or career-development agency may have met the job-search requirement, but clients either did not know that or did not know what would happen if they were to answer "No. If your benefits have stopped, and you are unsure why, you should check with your state unemployment office for clarification. However, some states will send a questionnaire through the mail that you must return by a certain deadline. Agencies may also request that you appear at the office for an in-person interview in some cases.

At any rate, you should always follow the instructions provided by your state employment agency if you are required to attend an interview. Do not assume that you need to provide an additional explanation of your situation unless requested.

You cannot help your chances of getting benefits by offering an unsolicited explanation to the state unemployment office, as not all staff members are qualified to make determinations in the first place. The unemployment phone interview questions will be different depending on the circumstances of your job loss.

For example, the unemployment agency will need to verify different information based on whether you were fired, lost your job due to a contract ending, were laid off or quit voluntarily. Note that the questions listed above are by no means all-inclusive. Most state unemployment offices publish a guide that provides specific information about filing for benefits. It is in your best interest to research the questions asked during unemployment interview sessions in your own state before being questioned.

Overall, the questions will provide you and your employer a chance to explain both sides of the issue. Getting ready for an unemployment phone interview is important because the outcome can determine whether or not you qualify for benefits.

The unemployment office in your state will usually provide interview instructions when sending you a notification of your obligations. You may even receive a list of questions ahead of time that you should prepare answers for. Most of the time, your unemployment interview will be scheduled for you. Completing the unemployment interview, when required, it a crucial part of obtaining benefits. If you are unavailable for some reason, it is important that you get in touch with the unemployment agency immediately.

Contact information should be provided on your interview notice. If neither you nor your employer responds to the interview request, note that the unemployment agency will simply make a determination based solely on the facts at hand. After an unemployment interview is complete, you will have to wait for the unemployment office to make a determination. The processing times can vary from one state to the next, so it is necessary to contact your unemployment agency to learn exactly when you can expect to receive a response.

It is common for determinations to be made within a week, but the decision may take longer if the agency has to confirm information from your claim with a third party. If you must self-quarantine due to possible exposure to the coronavirus, you may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits under ARPA. In the event of a government stay-at-home order, you may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits if you cannot reach your place of employment and if you are not given the option to telework.

I was about to start a new job and now cannot get there because of an outbreak. You may also be eligible if you do not have sufficient work history to qualify for benefits under traditional circumstances. I became unemployed a few weeks ago and I am now filing for unemployment benefits. Will I be able to get benefits for those weeks I did not file? Claimants can backdate their claim for Regular Unemployment Insurance benefits to the first affected week of unemployment.

Claimants who filed for PUA before December 27, , can backdate their claims to the first affected week of unemployment back to the PUA program start date of February 2, To backdate your claim greater than one week, you must contact a claims agent for assistance at I had to quit my job because I, or someone in my household, was directly impacted by the coronavirus. Am I eligible to apply for benefits? My employer shut down my workplace because of coronavirus.

If you are unemployed, partly unemployed, or unable to work because your employer closed down due to COVID, you may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits under ARPA. Is anyone explicitly excluded from receiving assistance under the law?

Workers who are able to perform their job through paid telework, and those receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits for their customary work week, are not eligible. Additionally, individuals who are not separated from employment due to a COVID related reason are ineligible for PUA, but may be eligible for benefits under a different unemployment insurance benefit program.

How long will my benefit payments last? It will vary according to the UI program through which you are collecting benefits and is dependent on your continued eligibility for benefits. Maryland provides up to 26 weeks of Regular UI benefits. I did not earn enough to qualify for Regular unemployment insurance benefits. An individual who lacks sufficient work history is someone who has not worked for a long enough period of time or for a consistent duration, and who did not earn enough wages to be eligible for Regular UI.

I am already receiving Regular UI benefits. Even if you are already receiving Regular UI benefits for reasons unrelated to the coronavirus, you may be eligible to apply for PEUC to receive up to an additional 53 weeks of benefits.

I recently exhausted my regular unemployment insurance UI benefits. How can I get an extension? If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive up to 53 additional weeks of UI benefits. Will receiving benefits disqualify me from any other programs? Why am I being asked to provide proof of self-employment or planned commencement of employment or self-employment for PUA??

The U. Department of Labor requires any individual who files an initial application for PUA, or who continues to file for PUA benefits, after December 27, , to provide documentation to substantiate their employment, self-employment, planned commencement of employment or planned commencement of self-employment. For acceptable documentation to substantiate proof of employment or self-employment or the planned commencement of employment or self-employment , see Proof of Employment Documentation Requirement for PUA Claimants.

Please note that even if you provided this same documentation in response to the original proof of income action item, you must reupload the documentation to your BEACON portal to both satisfy the proof of employment action item and the federal program requirements. The Division will review your application. If additional information or documentation is necessary, the Division will request it from you. You will receive notice of the request through your preferred method of contact e-mail, text message, or postal mail.

Once the Division adjudicates your claim, you will be notified of the decision through your preferred method and your portal. When will I receive benefits? Maryland does not have a waiting week, unlike many other states, so you are eligible to file the day after you are separated from employment. Due to extraordinarily high claim volume as a result of the impact of COVID, the Division of Unemployment Insurance cannot provide a definite timeline on benefit delivery.

However, many claimants have received their benefits in less than 21 days. Your patience is greatly appreciated during this pandemic. No, your benefit program is determined by your job classification and type of income.

What documentation is sufficient as proof of self-employment income for MEUC? All claimants who are potentially eligible will be messaged directly with instructions on how to apply for this benefit. If my employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID, preventing me from coming to work, am I eligible for benefits? If I am quarantined due to COVID with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over, am I eligible for benefits?

The first and best option for employees who need to miss work due to illness is to use their employer paid time off. The Maryland Healthy Working Families Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide paid sick and safe leave for certain employees. Maryland employers who employ 14 or fewer employees are required to provide unpaid sick and safe leave for certain employees.

Unemployment involves a reduction of both work hours and earnings. If you are currently instructed to quarantine by a medical professional, and your employer has instructed you not to return to work until the quarantine is ended and has not provided the option to telework, DUI recommends that you file a claim for unemployment insurance. After you file a claim, DUI will determine whether you qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits.

To file a claim for benefits 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, visit BEACON , or by phone at during business hours. If you are not exhibiting any symptoms of COVID and you decide to leave your employment, the DUI recommends that you file a claim for unemployment insurance.

If I need to take time off work because I am sick, but I have not been instructed to quarantine by a medical professional, will I be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits? If you are not eligible for employer paid time off or your paid time off has been exhausted, DUI recommends that you file a claim for unemployment insurance.

You may be determined to be eligible for benefits if you have taken time off of work and expect to return to work for the same employer in the future.

If an employer lays off employees due to the loss of production caused by COVID, will the employees be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits? Maryland unemployment benefits are available to individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

If an employer lays off employees due to a loss of production as a direct result of COVID, individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they meet certain criteria.

It is recommended that you file a claim for unemployment insurance. If your employer has reduced your normal work hours as a result of COVID, you may be eligible for partial benefits. If your employer goes out of business as a result of COVID, the Division of Unemployment Insurance recommends that you file a claim for unemployment insurance, as you are considered to be unemployed through no fault of your own. Can I still collect unemployment benefits if I am able to work remotely from home?

If you continue to work remotely for the same number of hours you normally work, you are not considered to be unemployed. However, if you are working reduced hours while working remotely, it is recommended that you file a claim for unemployment insurance. I get tips from customers on top of my regular hourly wage. Will my tips be used to determine how much I will receive in benefits? Employers regularly report quarterly the wages of their employees to DUI. These wages, including reported tips, are used to help calculate your Weekly Benefit Amount.

If a tipped employee files a claim and receives a determination about a Weekly Benefit Amount that the employee disagrees with, the employee can request a review of the determination within 30 days. Along with the request for a review, the claimant can provide evidence of other wages that they have received, including unreported tips.

Your eligibility for benefits in a week is based on your earnings, not the hours that you work. Can I backdate my claim for benefits to the date that I stopped working? Yes, claims may be backdated to the first affected week of unemployment.

Claims that are filed after December 27, , may be backdated to as early as the week ending December 12, If you need to backdate a claim by greater than one week, then you will need to call a claims agent for assistance at What does it mean to be disqualified or penalized?

What can cause a disqualification? Being disqualified penalized means that a determination was made to deny benefit payments and was placed on your claim. A denial of benefits is when a claimant fails to meet a UI requirement s in accordance with the Maryland Unemployment Insurance law.

When a claimant is denied benefits, payments are stopped until the requirements are met or the penalty is satisfied. What do I do if I receive a Notice of Benefit Determination denying my unemployment insurance benefits and I wish to appeal the denial? The appeal must be filed in writing and mailed to the address or faxed to the number provided on the determination form.

Your signature must be included on the request for appeal. Appeal request can be mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered. Appeals Division N. NOTE: If a Notice of Benefit Determination involves an employer you worked for, that employer also has the right to appeal the decision.. If your employer does file an appeal it is very important for you to be available for that appeal hearing since any decision made on your claim could be reversed and result in you receiving benefits.

If either you or your employer files an appeal and you are still unemployed , you must continue to file your weekly claim certifications. You will not be eligible to receive benefits for any week s that was not filed, even if the appeal decision is in your favor. Why did the Division transition to a new UI benefit payment method, direct deposit? The Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance the Division is committed to providing a safe and efficient benefit payment experience for claimants and ensuring the integrity of the unemployment insurance program.

Direct deposit is an electronic transfer of funds directly into a recipient's bank account that is both safe and convenient. Claimants are strongly encouraged to enroll in direct deposit if they have a checking or savings account and their financial institution is able to receive direct deposits.

What are the advantages of receiving benefit payments through direct deposit? Direct deposit is a more convenient and safer method than payment by debit card or check, as it eliminates the possibility of theft or loss of the debit card or check. Following enrollment in direct deposit, UI benefit payments are conveniently and electronically deposited directly into your bank account.

The direct deposit payment is completely free subject to the rules of your bank or financial institution. You can track your UI benefit payments through your bank account, as opposed to logging into a third-party website.

To learn more general information about bank and credit union accounts, read the FAQs from the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation.

How can I select direct deposit or paper check as my payment method? If you are a new claimant, you will be required to choose your preferred payment method direct deposit or paper check when you file an initial claim. If you select paper check, you will be asked to confirm your mailing address. You must do so even if your mailing address has not changed. NOTE: There is no automatic default payment option.

All claimants are required to select a payment method direct deposit or paper check to prevent a delay in benefit payments. Please note: For the safety of your personal information, Division staff are unable to update or enter your bank account information. When did the Division stop issuing unemployment benefit payments through debit cards? Friday, May 21, , was the last day that the Division issued new debit cards or loaded benefit payments onto the debit cards.

Beginning on Monday, May 24, , all unemployment insurance benefit payments are made by either direct deposit or check -- even for backdated weeks. Direct deposit enrollments began on Friday, April 30, Existing claimants were asked to select a new payment method between Friday, April 30, , and Friday, May 21, , to prevent a delay in benefit payments.

If you are a new claimant, you will be required to choose your preferred payment method when you file your initial claim. I am interested in direct deposit, but I do not have a bank account. What are my options? If you do not have an account with a financial institution but would like to select direct deposit as your payment method, consider opening a bank or credit union account. There are many options in Maryland. NOTE: If you have additional questions about any of the financial institutions listed on the Bank On Maryland website, please contact the financial institution directly.

Bank Routing Number: This number identifies the bank or credit union. For a checking account, it is the nine-digit number that generally appears on the lower left portion of a personal check. A savings account typically does not have the routing number listed, so you may need to contact your financial institution for the routing number.

Account Number: For a checking account, the account number usually appears just to the right of the bank routing number on the check. It may be a series of digits followed by the check number or it may be a series of digits after the check number.

The number of digits in an account number differs, depending on the bank or credit union. An account number may also include hyphens, spaces, or letters, and if so, they should be included when entering your account information. The savings account number should be on your statement or passbook. Who should I contact if I cannot find my routing number or account number? For assistance determining your routing number and account number, please contact your financial institution.

No, you do not need to contact your bank or financial institution to receive benefit payments through direct deposit. Unemployment benefit payments are issued by Wells Fargo on behalf of the Division. To complete your enrollment in direct deposit, you will be prompted to enter the following information about your bank account:. Payment method is updated. These details must match and be verified to enroll in direct deposit.

If a claimant updates their information with their bank, it will take at least 3 business days for the bank account verification process via BEACON to note these changes. The purpose of this micro deposit process is to ensure that your bank account is able to receive ACH deposits. NOTE: One withdrawal will be made from your account. The withdrawal amount will be equivalent to the amount of the two micro deposits.

Although you can select direct deposit as your payment method in the mobile app, you cannot use the mobile app to complete the micro deposit verification process. What do I need to do after I receive micro deposits in my bank account? Once you have received the micro deposits in your account, you must return to your BEACON portal to confirm the amounts that were deposited.

You will receive an Action Item in your portal with instructions. You cannot use the MD Unemployment for Claimants mobile app to confirm the micro deposits. What should I do if my bank account information is not verified by the micro deposit process? If the micro deposit process cannot verify your bank account information, it may be due to one of two reasons:. You entered your bank account information in BEACON incorrectly, and as a result, the micro deposits were not deposited into your account.

The Action Item will remain in your portal until you have:. You must start the enrollment process again to receive benefit payments by direct deposit. Payment Method is updated. If your bank account information is not approved or you are unable to receive direct deposits:. You will be asked to confirm your mailing address. If you attempt to enroll in direct deposit payments and your banking account information is not approved, you may consider using another financial institution to receive direct deposit payments.

If you do not want to use another financial institution, please elect to receive benefit payments by paper check. If you requested benefit payments via direct deposit, the timing of your payment depends on both when you filed your weekly claim certification and the amount of time it takes your banking institution to process the payment.

Your funds will be sent for processing on the next business day. This may vary during holidays and weekends. Please note that while your funds are quickly processed by the Division, the time it takes for your funds to be available in your bank account will depend on your particular banking institution. Can I receive payments via direct deposit if I have issues pending on my claim?

Enrolling in direct deposit has no impact on any issues pending on your claim. However, if you have issues pending on your claim, those issues may result in a determination that you are ineligible for benefits. You will be issued a determination letter stating whether or not you are eligible for benefits, and, if applicable, the reason why you are ineligible for benefits.

If you are determined to be ineligible, you will not receive benefit payments until the issues are resolved. You have the right to appeal a determination you disagree with. Owning a computer is not necessary to enroll in direct deposit.

If you do not have access to a computer or mobile device, you can check the computer availability at your local library. Anyone who uses a public computer should log out of personal online accounts when they are finished using the computer.

You may elect to receive benefit payments by paper check instead of direct deposit. You must do this even if your mailing address has not changed.

If you requested benefit payments via paper check, the receipt of your payment will depend on when you filed your weekly claim certification. If you are determined to be eligible for benefits, paper checks are processed on the next business day and will be delivered by the U. Postal Service. Once the check has been mailed, the Division cannot provide updates on its location or the status of its delivery.

What must I do in the event my unemployment benefit check is lost, damaged or stolen? NOTE: Claimants who knowingly provide false information, misrepresent, or withhold information to increase or obtain unemployment insurance UI benefits may be found guilty of committing UI fraud.

Penalties for UI fraud could include a yearlong denial of UI benefits, criminal charges, fines and imprisonment, as well as repayment of any illegally-obtained money with interest. What should I do if I select paper check as my payment method, but my mailing address changes? If I select paper check as my payment method, will I be charged a fee to cash my check? Please note that most banks and credit unions will not charge a fee to cash a check if you have an account with that institution consult with your financial institution for information about your account fees.

However, if you want to cash a check with a financial institution you do not have an account with, you may be charged a fee. Select this link for more information about check cashing services. After you make an initial payment choice, you can change to another method either direct deposit or paper check by signing into BEACON 2. On Friday, May 21, , the Division stopped issuing new debit cards and loading benefit payments onto debit cards.

On February 1, , all debit cards will be deactivated. If you have a balance on your debit card after that date, you can contact the Bank of America Service Center at to access those funds in a different way. The Division stopped issuing new debit cards and loading benefit payments onto debit cards on Friday, May 21, On Monday, May 24, , claimants began receiving unemployment insurance benefit payments by either direct deposit or check -- even for backdated weeks.

NOTE: Although you can select direct deposit as your payment method in the mobile app, you cannot use the mobile app to complete the micro deposit verification process. By what date must I withdraw all funds from my debit card? How do I withdraw these funds?

All debit cards will be deactivated after Tuesday, February 1, The Division encourages you to remove any remaining funds from your debit card as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition to your new payment method. To withdraw these or transfer these funds, you can:. If you have a balance on your debit card after February 1, , you can contact the Bank of America Service Center at to access those funds in a different way.

What happens if I need a replacement debit card before the transition is completed because my card is lost, damaged or stolen? Individuals with hearing impairment may call the TTY line at The deadline to order a replacement debit card is Wednesday, January 5, Claimants who have an existing balance on their debit cards can use their cards until Tuesday, February 1, To access funds after February 1, , claimants should call the Bank of America Service Center at What are the requirements to be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits?

In order to be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, you must meet the following criteria:. What are my responsibilities as a claimant? Anyone who is filing an initial claim or is currently receiving unemployment insurance benefits must adhere to the following responsibilities:. Can I file a claim if I quit my job or if I am fired from my job? Yes, you may file an initial claim regardless of your reason for separation.

However, a claims specialist will review the facts in your case to make a determination of eligibility for benefits based on UI guidelines. Am I eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits if I am a full-time employee but only working part-time hours?

If your employer reduced your hours from full-time to part-time, you may a file a claim to determine your eligibility to receive benefits.. Your eligibility for benefits will be based on your maximum weekly benefit amount determined. If your earnings are less than your determined weekly benefit amount working part-time, you will be issued partial benefit payments.

If your earnings are more than your maximum weekly benefit amount, you will not be issued benefit payments. If you are working all hours your employer has available i. However, you must be able, available, and actively seeking full-time work. Am I still eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits if I start working full-time? If you start working full-time, whether the job is temporary or permanent, you are not entitled to unemployment benefits.

If I am an unemployed part-time worker and only looking for part-time work, am I eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits? The definition and requirements are provided below:. Why do I need to verify my identity? Identity verification ensures that there is a real person behind an application for unemployment insurance UI benefits and that an applicant is who they say they are.

This prevents the payment of benefits to bad actors who either steal identities or create ones that do not represent real people. In the traditional face-to-face process, agency representatives can verify that a photo ID corresponds to the person presenting it. Now, the process of applying for UI benefits is completed either online or by calling a live claims agent.

For that reason, the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance the Division is providing a convenient, online process for claimants to verify their identities. How can I avoid common mistakes when filing my claim for UI benefits? For faster processing of your application for benefits, make sure:. You should contact them directly to make any necessary changes.

What do I need for the identity verification process? You can complete the identity verification process online with a computer or tablet.

You will be directed to complete the process when you file your initial claim for benefits, when you reopen a UI claim, or when you file an additional UI claim. The Division might also need to verify your identity when you request personal account information changes, such as banking or address changes or when you are claiming weekly benefits. For part of the identity verification process -- the two-factor authentication with a one-time passcode -- you will need a mobile telephone number that is accessible to you.

It is possible, however, that your identity will be verified before you reach that stage in the process. If you do not have access to a computer or tablet, you may also call a live agent at for help with this process during normal business hours, which are a. You will be prompted to press 4. For security reasons, live agents may not be able to provide the results of the identity verification process. If you cannot complete the process online or with a live agent, you will be required to send in documentation to prove your identity.

See Question 7 below. When will my identity be verified? Your identity will be verified when you file an initial claim for UI benefits online. Your identity will be re-verified if you reopen a UI benefits claim or file an additional UI benefits claim online. It might also be verified when you request personal account information changes, such as banking or address changes or when you are claiming weekly benefits.

How is my identity verified? The Division may also use limited information from credit reporting bureaus, but no credit check is conducted and no inquiry of any kind is incurred.

This process will take place when you file your initial claim, reopen a claim or file an additional claim. You will have the option to complete the verification process online.

You may also call a live agent at for help with this process during normal business hours, which are a.

The online verification process will take you through a series of questions, which you will be required to answer. It might also include a two-factor authentication with the use of a one-time passcode. For this step, you will need a mobile telephone number that is accessible to you.

After the verification process, you will be able to continue with the claims filing process. If you answered the questions and completed the two-factor authentication with the one-time passcode, but your identity could not be verified, you will be given the option to speak to a live agent.

If your identity cannot be verified online or with a live agent, you will be required to send in documentation to prove your identity. You will be given a deadline to submit your information. What if my identity could not be verified with this process?

If you answered the questions and completed the two-factor authentication with the one-time passcode but your identity could not be verified, you will be given the option to speak to a live agent. What documentation do I need to provide to prove my identity? If we cannot verify your identity, you will not be eligible for benefits.

To complete the Action Item, you must upload one document from List A below. If you are unable to provide a document from List A, then you must provide one document from List B and one from List C. Please note that the list of documents below is not exhaustive. For a complete list of acceptable documents, please refer to the U. Citizen and Immigration Services Form I-9 list of acceptable documents.

The uploaded photos must be clear and legible and include all four corners of your documents, and your documents must not be expired. How do I submit my identity documentation? See Question 7 above. If you choose to submit your documentation by mail, you may send clear and legible photocopies of your documents which include all four corners of the documents to: Benefit Payment Control, Room , North Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD All correspondence should include your claimant ID number to facilitate the process.

Please note that if you send your documentation to the Division by mail, it might result in longer wait times for staff to review your Action Item. What if you cannot verify my identity?