For all those considering applying for unemployment.

For those considering applying for unemployment, consider this first. The application process is confusing, frustrating, and does not take into consideration any employment such as assistantships, fellowships, work-study, or conference related payments.  The unemployment system is not up-to-date for the vast population of twenty-somethings. Be prepared if you are considering applying.

While the benefits are great, be prepared.  Read any information regarding your state's unemployment rules and regulations. My personal experience is with the state of Minnesota's unemployment.  Minnesota allows seasonal workers and people with out-of-state work experience to apply.  The catch-22 is you have had to earn $1,000 in the past three quarters, and only $250 in the current quarter. This is information blatantly posted on their website, in their brochures, and even part of their automated telephone system.   What they do not explain is what a quarter consists of (3 months make up every quarter).  Since they do not consider any employment that was gained as a student, this automatically disenfranchises anyone who recently went to school.

The other catch-22 is that you can very easily disqualify yourself by traveling out of state. In fact, you can even disqualify yourself by traveling out of your commuting area.  The state of Minnesota defines the commuting area within 25 miles of your home.  I recently applied for unemployment, however I left for Florida.  According to the completely annoyed service representative, I need to continue looking for work. "Looking for work" means that you list every employer's address and contact information for every place that you apply and interview at. You must apply to at least five positions a week.  The larger issue is that if the state of MN does not believe that I actually applied, they can deny my unemployment. Seeing as how I am not eligible for the benefits to begin with, I am not too bothered by this. Personally, this means I must apply for forbearance on my student loans instead of deferment.

If you are going to apply you should have the following prepared.

1. Find out if you need to go into an unemployment office or if you need to apply online or via telephone.
   
2. Have your driving license ready.
   
3. Your last paystubs for any job that you had within the past 18 months. Make sure you have addresses, names, or any other contact information your state may require. 
4. Make sure you know specific date of employment and the date you were laid off.
   
5. Be prepared that you may have to wait up to a week before you can start receiving benefits. In some states you may need to wait until the next quarter. For example if you were laid off in January, you may not receive payments until April. 
6. Call your student loans as soon as you have found out that you are eligible or not. Unlike credit cards, student loans are willing to work with you to pay your bills.
   
7. Whatever happens do not feel intimidated.  It happens to everyone. Now is the time to make finding a new job your job.