Unemployment insurance is a state program with federal rules on top. The details vary by state — but the shape is the same everywhere.
Who qualifies
Three tests, everywhere.
No fault of your own
You lost work for reasons that aren't misconduct — a layoff is the clearest case.
Enough recent earnings
Your "base period" wages have to clear your state's minimum.
Able, available, looking
You're ready to work and actively searching. Denials for misconduct or quitting are appealable.
What you'll need
- Your Social Security number and a government ID.
- Employment history for the last ~18 months — employers, dates, pay.
- The reason for separation — say "laid off" if that's what happened.
Benefits run from the day you file — not your last day of work.
Two things people get wrong
Severance
Report it honestly
Some states reduce or delay benefits while you receive severance or salary continuation; others don't count a lump sum at all. Let the state apply its rule — guessing can create an overpayment you'll have to repay.
State-specific — declare it
Certification
Keep it active
Most states make you certify weekly or biweekly and log job-search activity. Miss one and payments stop until you fix it. Set a recurring reminder the day your claim opens.
Miss it and payments pause
Don't lose weeks
File right away. Certify every week.
Some states have a one-week unpaid waiting period, and waiting to file only costs you weeks you can't recover. Filing is free, on your state agency's website — and if you're denied, the notice tells you exactly how and by when to appeal.
Check the rules in your state →Common questions
Can you collect unemployment with severance pay?
It depends on your state. Some states reduce or delay unemployment while you receive severance or salary continuation; others do not count a lump sum at all. Report it honestly and let the state apply its rule.
How soon should I file for unemployment?
Right away. Benefits generally run from when you file, not your last day, and some states have a one-week waiting period — so waiting can cost you weeks you cannot recover.
Run your severance, take-home by state, and runway in about two minutes.
NextClara gives educational estimates only — not legal, tax or financial advice. Check anything consequential with the official source or a licensed professional.