5 Common Mistakes Made by UI Claimants
Maintain your eligibility for current and future UI benefits by familiarizing yourself with the following common mistakes or misunderstandings:
- Not reporting income from part-time or temporary work while looking for a full-time position. You must report your (gross) wages in the week you work and earn them, not in the week you are actually paid.
- Waiting until you receive your first paycheck before notifying IDES that you have returned to work. As soon as you begin working, be sure to notify IDES if you plan to continue claiming UI benefits. Do not wait until you receive your first paycheck to report your return to work. IDES uses state and national resources to track new hires, so it is in your best interest to report your return to work immediately to avoid the consequences of an overpayment.
- Believing that UI benefits are "yours" - which you paid into an account while you were working. Not true. Generally, state payroll taxes paid by employers finance UI benefits and employers are charged accordingly when claimants are determined eligible to collect benefits. That's why it's important to ensure that each individual accurately receives the amount of benefits for which he or she qualifies.
- Not actively searching for work. You must actively look for work each week that you file a claim, benefits may be denied until you show that you have started to look for work. Need help creating an effective work search plan? Contact IDES for assistance.
- Not being available to accept a new job. In order to collect benefits, you must continually certify that you are able, available, and willing to accept suitable work. Possible conflicts like attending school during work hours, travel or limitations with child care could limit your work availability and be an eligibility issue. Report such issues on your claim forms.
Believe that you've made a mistake? Contact IDES and ask for help.