Can immigrants apply for unemployment benefits?
The unemployment rate went up to 3.8% last month. Are immigrants among those who are qualified to receive weekly payments after losing their jobs?
Unemployment Insurance is a federal program that, in coordination with states, provides weekly cash benefits to workers who have lost their jobs, as long as they meet certain requirements.
Each state administers its own separate program, so eligibility requirements vary. However, they all follow certain guidelines established by federal law. Usually, a person qualifies if:
- They are unemployed for reasons beyond their control;
- They meet labor and salary requirements;
- They meet their state's requirements for wages earned or time worked during a set period of time called the “base period”; (In most states, these are usually the first four of the last five full calendar quarters before the time the claim is filed.)
- They meet additional state requirements.
These are some of the general requirements, but can immigrants apply for these benefits when they become unemployed?
Can immigrants apply for unemployment benefits?
Eligibility for unemployment insurance depends on immigration status during two time periods: first, the time the worker applies for and receives benefits, known as the “benefit period”; and second, the time the worker performed the work, known as the “base period.”
Generally speaking, workers must have valid work authorization during the base period, at the time they apply for benefits, as well as for the entire period during which they are receiving benefits.
Under current state and federal systems, undocumented workers are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits. On the other hand, those who have a green card, beneficiaries of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or asylum beneficiaries can apply for unemployment benefits.
If you are not a US citizen and applying for Unemployment Insurance benefits, each state’s employment departments must verify that you are legally authorized to work in the United States.
Your legal authorization to work will be verified through a computer comparison with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
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How to apply for unemployment benefits?
To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you must file a claim with the unemployment insurance program of the state where you worked. Depending on each state, claims can be filed in person, by phone, or online.
For specific details and requirements, you should contact your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your previous employment.
It usually takes two to three weeks after filing your claim to receive your first benefit check. In most states, workers can generally receive unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks. The amounts vary from state to state.