Oh my goodness - I qualified - BUT...

[C.Ann]

Remember how I was fired from my job back in February because I was out sick with pnuemonia? Well, my DD kept hounding me to see if I could get unemployment since I didn't "voluntarily" leave so two weeks ago I filed a claim..

After I filed the claim though I was afraid I did it wrong (I worked for the same company twice in the past 18 months.. The first time I left it was voluntarily so I wasn't sure the months I worked would count..) So - I called the Unemployment office and they said the way I filled out the claim was fine..

I'm STILL not sure they understood what I was saying though so now I'm a little hesitant about cashing the checks because from what I understand they can make you pay the money back if they later determine that you really shouldn't have received the benefits..

Also, I have to keep a record of my search for employment and I'm not quite sure how to do that.. I search the newspapers and various job sites online and for 99.9% of them you either have to mail a resume or fax a resume.. So how do I prove that? Just make a list of where I sent the resumes or what?

It sure would be a BIG help if I AM entitled to the unemployment - but if I find out later that I wasn't, there's no way I could pay the money back and quite frankly, I'm VERY surprised that my former employer hasn't tried to squash this claim..

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

 

[Lewski709]

Yep, keep a list. You don't have to prove it. If they really want to check, they will contact the person you said you sent it to later.

 

[gdulaney]

An easy way to keep track of your "job search" is to use a state employment service. In Georgia, the Dept of Labor has employment centers. You can go, search for jobs, be "pre-screened" for interviews, etc.

Ginny

 

[Jasminesmommy]

They can indeed make you pay it back if they prove it was your fault but you will have a hearing if they try to say it was your fault or whatever reason they give. Also about the job search you have to keep track of the Date applied, company name, way of contact, person or dept or email, and out come which can be no response. You also must have at least 3 searches minimum each day. They will only ask if suspisious I know of people who use to make them up because they don't check. Hope this helps.

 

[C.Ann]

Thanks for the relpies!

My main concern is that they didn't understand what I was saying about my employment for the past 18 months and therefore may have qualified me when they shouldn't have.. Ironically my first check arrived a short while after I posted this thread here.. It's only valid for 2 months, so I may just hold on to it until I'm certain there are no errors..

I just pulled up 3 jobs on the internet that I'm going to send resumes to. Unfortunately most everyone wants qualifications I don't have so the search isn't going to be all that easy..

 

[Jillpie]

We just went through all of this. My DH was out of work all last Winter, not fun. However, he worked tirelessly from morning to night sending out resumes and worked on the computer all day long looking for a job. He NEVER had to provide proof of anything as far as looking for a job. He just stated each week, when filing, that he was actively looking for a job. Thats all. I would not worry about it. I wish you luck in your search, boy do we understand what you are going through. There IS a light at the end of this tunnel, trust us. He found a wonderful job last Summer, fantastic hours (he walks in the door at 5:00 pm from the train, awesome) and best of all, he takes the train, no stress. Anyway, if you are frustrated with the search, hang in there. You will find something out there that is perfect, just for you.

 

[mus muris asinus]

Originally posted by C.Ann

I just pulled up 3 jobs on the internet that I'm going to send resumes to. Unfortunately most everyone wants qualifications I don't have so the search isn't going to be all that easy..

One thing to keep in mind is that often the qualifications that are listed in a job posting are a "wish list" of sorts. Many times, the employer is not necessarily looking for an exact match of all skills, but looking for a quality candidate that possesses some of those skills that they can train in the other areas.

Send in a resume if you even think that maybe you'd be a match -- the worst thing they can do is say you're not the right fit.

 

[Lewski709]

Originally posted by C.Ann
I just pulled up 3 jobs on the internet that I'm going to send resumes to. Unfortunately most everyone wants qualifications I don't have so the search isn't going to be all that easy..

It doesn't really matter, as long as you send em out like they say. They don't even have to be in your field of work, really. As long as you are actively searching, that's all that matters to get the unemployment monies.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

After I filed the claim though I was afraid I did it wrong (I worked for the same company twice in the past 18 months.. The first time I left it was voluntarily so I wasn't sure the months I worked would count..)

well I'm not an Unemployment expert but I don't think that matters. I'm not clear on the rules, but I know it's something like you have to have earned wages in 2 of the previous quarters from the past whatever months. Just as long as you are currently "unemployed involuntarily" you should meet that requirement.

It sounds like the only thing your previous employer could appeal would be the reason you left the company. I don't remember the details, but recall that you were ill. I would think that if they were going to appeal however, you probably would have been notified by now.

 

[sk8belle]

C. Ann:
If you want to keep a record of what jobs you applied to, I have two suggestions. If it's a resume you emailed, maybe you can keep a copy in your "sent" items folder or print out a copy of an email that's sent back to you by the company confirming receipt of your resume. Not many companies do that, but I've had a few send me that kind of notice.

If you fax a resume, most fax machines can produce a transmission receipt showing the fax number you sent the documents to. Tape the want ad to the fax receipt.

Both of these should help you remember what you responded to, as well, esp. if you are sending tons of resumes out. That way, when one calls you, you have a handy reference about the job.

It sounds like alot of people are saying you won't need this proof, but I just thought I'd offer some suggestions. I'm going through the job hunt process myself, so I know how difficult it can be. As for the jobs with the "wish lists", if you think you can do the job, apply for it. My rule is, "Let them say no." Don't count yourself out.

I hope this helped. All the best of luck to you.

sk8belle

 

[ca859093]

I wouldn't worry about them misunderstanding you or cashing the check, the state does check with the former employer to see if the dates you worked are valid, and what was the reason for separation.

 

[preb]

I'm not sure how it works in other states, but in Michigan your employer was notified when you applied and had 5 days to appeal. If you received a check, they didn't appeal. You should have also received a letter stating that you qualified after the appeal timeframe expired. If you didn't qualify, it would say something like "pending" or "denied" for your status.

As far as tracking your job search, you should have been provided with a log to fill in. That's all the proof they require. I have never actually heard of anyone being asked to present the log, but it's easy enough to just write things down as you do them.

Also, in Michigan, you're required to register your resume in their online employment database. It sounds like you didn't have to do that, so it must be a Michigan thing.

Good luck!

 

[mum4jenn]

Also keep in mind (at least here in GA) that they do not take taxes out on those checks and you have to claim what you get frim unemployment on your taxes. We ended up owing the IRS money the year in which I was on unemployment. This was back in 93 so things might have changed.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by mum4jenn
Also keep in mind (at least here in GA) that they do not take taxes out on those checks and you have to claim what you get frim unemployment on your taxes. We ended up owing the IRS money the year in which I was on unemployment. This was back in 93 so things might have changed.

-----------------------------------

Here in New York, the Unemployment Office has an option where they will withold a percentage of each check for income tax purposes.. I went ahead and checked that so I wouldn't have to worry about it at the end of the year..

Don't know if that's Federal & State both, but at least it's one or the other!