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In USA, do unemployment benefits last 6 weeks? Or 6 months? (lemmy.world)

submitted 4 months ago by LemmyKnowsBest@lemmy.world to c/nostupidquestions@mander.xyz

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[–] charonn0@startrek.website 10 points 4 months ago (1 children)

It's a state-run program, so it varies. Most states provide up to 26 weeks (6 months). No state provides fewer than 14 weeks.

[–] LemmyKnowsBest@lemmy.world 2 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (2 children)

What do they base the monthly pay on? Is it minimum wage? or based on what you were already currently earning?

And where does that money come from? who funds it? The previous employer? or the government, taxes?

[–] charonn0@startrek.website 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Again, it varies, but it's usually based on your earnings in the most recent quarter, and is usually funded by your most recent employer.

[–] LemmyKnowsBest@lemmy.world 1 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

Thank you.

Also I'm curious, it wasn't until recent years I've learned that unemployment benefits are even a thing. So I'm wondering, if someone gets fired from a job, it must've been because they did something really bad, so how could they be entitled to continue getting paid after doing something really bad? And then continue getting paid up to six months while not working at all? That seems strange to me.

But also there was the COVID era when so many people couldn't work because their jobs shut down, and they drew unemployment and then, so I understand that's a valid scenario.

But my question remains, if someone gets fired from a job, it must've been because they did something really bad, so how could they be entitled to get paid after doing something really bad?

[–] charonn0@startrek.website 2 points 4 months ago

Someone who is fired for good cause generally doesn't qualify. If they're fired without being at fault, or if they quit for a good reason, then that's different.

[–] HootinNHollerin@lemmy.world 2 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

The money comes from you. Your employer is required to withhold it from you so it’s there if you need it. It’s called UI or unemployment insurance in the tax deductions.

[–] morgunkorn@discuss.tchncs.de 7 points 4 months ago (2 children)

It varies according to state laws but the maximal duration (which is also the most common) is 26 weeks. Alabama only grants 14 weeks.

Sauce: https://money.usnews.com/careers/articles/how-long-does-unemployment-last

[–] LemmyKnowsBest@lemmy.world 3 points 4 months ago

Thank you

[–] Alice@hilariouschaos.com -2 points 4 months ago

Best answer