Can I Collect Unemployment Benefits?

First of all, unemployment is not welfare; it is insurance. You paid into it, and if you are entitled to it, darn Skippy you should take it.

The questions you need to ask yourself are these:

1) Was I fired through any fault of my own?

If the answer is "no" or "debatable," then continue reading. If the answer is something like, "Yes, I got frustrated and destroyed my work computer with an axe," just stop reading now because you're probably not eligible.

2) Am I making money now through business activity or part-time employment?

If the answer is "no," keep reading. If the answer is "yes," you might still be eligible in many states, depending on how much you're making.

3) Am I actively looking for work?

We should hope so. If not, you're definitely not eligible.

If you believe you may be entitled to collect unemployment benefits, you should absolutely file a claim. You and your former employer have been paying into this fund. Now you need it. Take it! If you paid into health insurance you'd file a claim if you got sick, right? Same thing here. One more time: Unemployment benefits are not welfare, they are insurance, and you should not feel the least bit guilty about collecting if you are legitimately entitled to collect.

Even if you don't think you qualify, you should still file a claim (unless you smashed your work computer to bits with an axe). If nothing else, it can help clear the air on the circumstances of your dismissal.

Don't leave money on the table!