Unemployment Questions 1

[silverlining]

I have a few general questions about unemployment policies (I know they vary somewhat by state, but any information you may have would be greatly appreciated). Incidentally, I'm in PA.

1. how to they calculate the rate of pay that you get? would the rate be impacted if you've been working at a drastically reduced schedule for a number of months (say due to a family illness)?

2. how long are you elligible for coverage? could a doctor's note, explaining special circumstances help prolong the period of coverage?

3. if you manage to pick up some small side projects while receiving unemployment, could it jeopardize your coverage?

4. do you pay taxes on the unemployment income?


Thank you all in advance for your help.

 

[MikeHalloran]

The rate you get is calculated based on your income from a couple of previous quarters. I have no idea what the actual formula is. The unemployment office will do the math for you; just go there and apply.

I can't answer about extensions. I don't think they have a lot of discretion, mostly because they're open to public scrutiny by so many people with time on their hands.

You are required to report any other income, and it is deducted from your benefits. There is no other 'penalty'.

Yes, you pay taxes. There is a special line on the 1040. You can elect whether to have deductions made from your benefit check; I suggest you do.






Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[silverlining]

Thanks!! This is a huge help.

 

[bimr]

MikeHalloran gave a good answer. You can also go to the website of the state where you reside. Here is an example:

http://www.ides.state.il.us/individual/faq2.asp

 

[LHA]

I live in PA also. I don't think time off for illness would be eligible for UE compensation. The general criteria (you must meet both) are:

1) You are available (willing and able) to work.
2) There is not work available for which you are qualified.

If you are sick, you are temporarily disabled, therefore not "able", so you can not meet criteria #1.

Engineering is the practice of the art of science - Steve

 

[nutbutter]

Yeah, I don't think they give out extensions for any reason whatsoever. If you had temporary disability coverage that would probably cover you, but it sounds like you don't have that.
Peace,
Stoddardvilla

 

[silverlining]

Yeah, I don't think disabilty applies if it's a family member that's sick--I'd love to hear that I'm wrong though.

Thanks, guys. This has been a huge help.