• A worker who becomes unemployed through no fault of the individual may be eligible for cash benefits from state unemployment compensation programs.

The federal-state unemployment compensation (UC) program offers the first economic line of defense against the ripple effects of unemployment. An eligible worker who becomes unemployed through no fault of the individual and meets certain other eligibility requirements can receive cash benefits.

Each state administers a separate unemployment insurance program, but all states follow the same guidelines established by federal law.

Through payments made directly to eligible, unemployed workers, UC ensures that at least a significant proportion of the necessities of life — most notably food, shelter, and clothing — can be met on a week-to-week basis while a search for work takes place.

To be eligible for benefits, jobless workers must demonstrate workforce attachment, usually measured by amount of wages and/or weeks of work, and must be able and available for work.

When an employee files a claim, the person will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of former employment. To make sure a claim is not delayed, displaced workers should give complete and correct information.

It generally takes two to three weeks after filing a claim to receive the first benefit check.