新综合教程 第三册 教学课件 熊选琴 刘重霄Unit 4 3 U4.pptVIP

Unit 4 Text A: Unemployment Insurance Eligibility If you lose your job in the U.S., you have a good chance of being entitled to unemployment insurance cheques and other benefits from your state unemployment office. To be eligible for benefits, you must meet your state’s requirements for wages earned and time worked during a period of time—the base period. In many states, the base period is the first four calendar quarters out of the last five, prior to the time you apply for benefits. In other words, you must have been substantially employed during the past 12 months. Even if you didn’t work continuously during the period, for the same employer, or in the same state, you still might be eligible. If you didn’t earn much, the case is the same. Your unemployment pay will be determined by your wages and a minimum amount must have been earned during your base period. In addition, you must also meet other state eligibility requirements. Generally, losing your job can’t be your fault. If you are fired or quit, you may not be eligible but if you’re laid off, you’re likely to be eligible. If you quit for reasonable cause, you may still qualify. Some states allow you to quit for personal reasons. You must be available, willing and physically able to work. If you become disabled while unemployed, you’re not likely to be eligible for state unemployment benefits but may be eligible for state disability benefits if you work in one of the few states that provide them. The state agency that handles unemployment claims also handles disability claims. The Social Security Administration provides disability to individuals who qualify. You must actively seek work. In order to get each benefit check, you’ll probably have to report regularly that you are searching for a job. It might be as simple as filling out a form and mailing it each week but you may be required to keep a record of all the employers you contacted and your state office might check them. If you a