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FAQ - Unemployment Compensation Questions
   
 

Important Points:

IT'S YOUR RIGHT TO FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION

Unemployment Compensation -Your Rights and Obligations Adobe Acrobat Icon       Unemployment Compensation Your Rights and Obligations

In general, unemployment compensation is paid to people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. If your hours of work are reduced, you may be eligible to collect partial unemployment benefits. If you are denied unemployment benefits, it is your right to appeal.

   
 
Q. What is "covered employment"? Who pays for Unemployment Compensation Benefits? <Return to Top>
A. It is work done for employers who are subject to the New Hampshire Unemployment Compensation law. These employers pay into a fund established to pay Unemployment Compensation benefits or, in some cases, repay the fund for benefits to their employees. Employees do not pay any unemployment tax.

Q. What should I do if I become unemployed? <Return to Top>
A. As soon as you become unemployed or have your hours of work significantly reduced, open your claim online or visit your local office for assistance.

Q. What will I need to file my initial claim? <Return to Top>
A. Please file your claim online. If you do not have Internet access, please visit the NHES Office nearest you and it is best if you bring your Social Security number, Social Security card preferred, and know the name and address of all employers for whom you have worked during the past two years and the beginning and ending dates worked with each employer. It is helpful to have your past years W-2 forms with you. This visit will take from one half to two hours, depending on the number of people being served that day.

Q. What do I do if I go back to full time work before that first return visit? <Return to Top>
A. Call your Local Office for filing instructions.

Q. What if I become unemployed again? <Return to Top>
A. Go to your local office within three days after the last day worked or at least by Friday of the first week you expect to claim or reopen your claim.

Q. What if I worked in another state? <Return to Top>
A. Depending on when you worked in the other state, you might have a claim against that state or you might be able to use wages earned in that state to increase your benefits in New Hampshire. When you file an initial claim, the NHES interviewer will help you select the best option and help you file against the other state if necessary.

Q. Can I collect if I quit my job? <Return to Top>
A. That depends on the reason for quitting. The reason must be attributable to your employer. The only way to be sure is to file a claim.

Q. Can I collect if I am fired? <Return to Top>
A. That depends on the reason you were fired. If the reason was not related to your work, then you would usually be found eligible. If the reason was related to your work, your eligibility would depend on how serious the offense was. The only way to find out is to file a claim.

Q. What will happen if I don't take a job that is offered?<Return to Top>
A.

That depends on the job and the reason for not taking it. In determining your eligibility consideration is given to: the degree of risk involved in your health, safety and morals, your physical fitness to perform the work, prior training and experience, the distance of available work within your labor market area, and prior earnings and length of unemployment.

NOTE: If you are eligible for benefits and you try a new job that wouldn't normally be called suitable, - because of your lack of experience, reduced pay, increased travel required, etc., - you would not be disqualified for leaving it if you didn't work there longer than four consecutive weeks.


Q. How long can I collect if I am eligible? <Return to Top>
A. Up to 26 weeks in a benefit year. It could be longer if you claim partial benefits, but the maximum amount will be 26 times your weekly amount.

Q. Where can I get more information? <Return to Top>
A. You can visit or call your local office. The staff there will answer general questions. Before answering questions about your claim - if you have filed one - they will ask questions intended to establish your identity. You may also read about your Rights & Obligations for more information.

 

 
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New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES)
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