Yet more totally free information...

The site's been up for over a year now, and people find it on all kinds of interesting search terms. Some questions come up over and over again. I want to answer those to the best of my ability now. None of this should be taken as expert legal or financial advice. I'm just a guy who knows a thing or two about this unemployment thing, but I don't know it all by a long shot.

Questions on unemployment benefits

Can I collect unemployment if...

• ... I quit my job?
• ...I move out of state?
• ... I sell on E-bay?
• ... I have a part-time job?
• ... my spouse is working? (The answer is YES, even if your spouse makes a billion dollars a year!)

How much will I get?

It depends on your state, how much you made, and whether you currently have any income. The only way to answer this is to contact your state's unemployment office.

What should I do if my payments stop?

Find out why! Call immediately upon not receiving payment. It is very important to promptly answer all correspondence you get from your state's UI office or department of labor. The most common reason benefits stop is that someone fails to jump through some hoop or another. Find out what hoop you might have missed, and jump through it ASAP! Time is money. Every missed week could be money lost forever.

Which payment method is best?

Again, it depends on your personal finances. If you don't have a bank account, direct deposit won't work, and getting a check will cost you because you'll have to pay fees to cash it. Some states make it easy for you and force you to get a debit card, but be careful because fees can add up if you use the card!

Are my unemployment benefits taxable

Yes.

Are taxes taken out of my unemployment checks?

Probably. You set that up when you are approved.

Am I eligible for an extension?

Possibly. There are some things you can do at the beginning of your unemployment to make it more likely, such as declaring your intention to re-train.

Questions on maintaining your health and sanity

Will my marriage survive?

If it's strong, it might. Here's some advice on maintaining your relationship.

How can I deal with stress?

Exercise, proper diet, and lots of water help. Here are some other ideas.

How can I stay productive?

This is so important. The worst thing that can happen is that you stagnate. Here's some information and a few ideas.

Money questions

How can I make money without a job?

If you haven't read it, please read "Ten Ways to Money After the Unemployment Benefits Run Out." You might want to consider starting a business.

How can I save money?

Here are some ideas on unemployment budgeting.
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I hope that helps someone.

Good luck!

(This list is incomplete, but it covers the most common questions people ask around here.)