What do you need to know about unemployment insurance?

Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions from the New Hampshire Employment Security website.

What is unemployment insurance?

Answer: Unemployment insurance is temporary income for eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and who are looking for new jobs. The money for unemployment insurance benefits comes from revenue paid by employers. No deductions are ever made from a worker's paycheck for it.

How do I File for Unemployment Benefits?

Filing for Unemployment Compensation can be done:

• Online
• Visit a local offices
• If you do not live in New Hampshire and have no access to the internet, you can call 1-800-266-2252, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm EST  

How and when do I file a claim?

This is the first claim you file after becoming unemployed, your first claim in a Benefit Year. It is not a request for compensation, but it serves as a notice to the Department and your employer that you may claim benefits.

You must register and file your initial claim application over the Internet. Your claim is effective the Sunday of the calendar week in which it is opened. To be timely to claim the week in which you last worked, you must file your initial claim within 3 (three) business days of your last day worked.

You must file no later than the last day of the first week for which you wish to file for benefits. 

I’ve just been laid off. What do I do?

If you have lost your job or had your hours of work reduced, file a new claim or reopen an existing claim via the Internet at our web site or visit the nearest NH Employment Security office to file your claim on a computer in our Resource Center. Open your claim during the week your hours are reduced or, if you became unemployed from full-time work on Thursday or Friday, open your claim on Sunday or Monday. If you live in another State and your last employment was in New Hampshire, you may file your claim over the Internet. If you do not have access to the Internet or need language assistance, you may call 1-800-266-2252 to speak to a Customer Service Representative during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).

I'm unable to work because of sickness or injury. What should I do?

If you are sick, or injured please notify us on your Continued Claim Application question number 2, During the week claimed, were you physically and mentally able to work?, by answering No. Your claim will be assigned to a certifying officer to assist you with processing your claim.

I was fired/quit. Am I eligible?

You should first file a claim if you haven't already done so. Your claim will be assigned to a certifying officer and a determination will be made on eligibility. The Certifying Officer will contact you if he/she needs additional information before making a determination on your claim. In order for a voluntary quit to be payable, the separation must be determined attributable to the employer. In order for a discharge to be payable, it must be determined that the separation is not for misconduct connected with your work.

What if I need more training in order to get a new job?

Some of the New Hampshire Employment Security local offices have One-Stop Resource centers; they offer employment solutions for both job seekers and employers. They can provide information on job listings; economic trends; labor market and employment statistics; social and community services; and education and training opportunities. 

Can I get help in conducting my search for a new job?

Some of the New Hampshire Employment Security local offices have One-Stop Resource centers; they offer employment solutions for both job seekers and employers. They can work with you to provide detailed information on job listings; economic trends; labor market and employment statistics; social and community services; and education and training opportunities.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user Bytemarks under an Attribution 2.0 Generic Creative Commons license.