When it was instituted in 1935, unemployment insurance was designed as a stopgap against economic downturns, as high unemployment leads to further economic despair. As a result, benefits only last for six months. In 1935, it should have taken you less than six months to find a new job. Now, depending on where you live, it ranges from somewhere between six months to a year. In the current economic state, lawmakers are looking at extending unemployment insurance as they have in other hard economic times. It may seem like a nice “break” with pay, but remember that the typical unemployment payout will be considerably less than you were actually making at your job. You may have to give up some luxuries while on unemployment, but you'll probably be able to continue eating while you look for your next job.

And then, once the miraculous day comes (and it will) that you find that brand-spanking new job, you must notify your state’s unemployment office. Do not cash any more checks that come in the mail before you check with them as this could be construed as unemployment insurance fraud. It’s unlikely that would happen, however the more flagrant, the more severe the consequences and if you’re intentionally stealing from unemployment benefits, the state will typically prosecute.

The system isn't perfect, and there are certainly plenty of people that, sadly, fall through the cracks, but at least there's something, a net to catch as many people as possible—not the lazy and unscrupulous, but the downtrodden and unfortunate. When it comes right down to it, all you can really do is persevere and keep trying. In a world as tough as this one, the prize certainly isn't going to go to someone who gives up.

It's true what they say, though, in that knowledge is power. The world, in the past few months, has been turned into a very unpredictable place, and there are truly very few jobs that one should consider completely safe. So be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. The more familiar you are with your state's laws and requirements, the better handle you'll have on what your rights are.

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