With the world financial crisis still in swing, the state of Michigan is expecting many unemployed folks coming their way these coming months. With no bright lining in sight, it seems that filing for unemployment aid is the best way to go. Of course, one cannot live forever on welfare, so you have to make sure that you’re trying your best to find another job.

In the meantime, you can check whether your home state can help, you tide over these tough times.

Qualifications

You must first qualify before you can get any unemployment aid. Make sure that your documents are complete and you are well aware of all the pertinent details regarding your employment. This includes how much you have been earning per quarter and your employer’s address.

The first criterion is your residency. You must live in Michigan. If you live across the state line and your drive a few hundred miles everyday, then you probably won’t qualify.

The second criterion is you must have lost your job because of circumstances beyond your control. Most unemployment cases nowadays are results of bankrupt companies or near-bankrupt ones contracting to stay afloat.

The last and perhaps most important qualification is that you’ve been employed by your former employer for at least a year and six months.

You Might Be Disqualified If…

Yes, there are instances that you might be denied the unemployment benefits. According to the policies of the state of Michigan, you’re not to be given unemployment benefits if:

1. You’ve been part of the military in the past year and six months.

2. You’ve been working not for another business entity but for a business owned and managed by your own family.

3. You’ve been an employee of the government in the time period mentioned above.

4. You’ve already filed for the same benefits in other states within the year. The last policy may be to dissuade people from getting two or three different sources of welfare at the same time. That’s just not equitable, and you would actually be milking the system in exchange for nothing.

Gather the Documents, Please

Before you go out of your way to apply, make sure that you’ve organized all the documents that would be required by the state of Michigan for the said unemployment benefits. First, prepare the string of digits known as your Social Security number.

Second, provide a means of identifying and verifying your identity. Your driver’s license would suffice for this purpose. You may also provide any of the state-given identification documents. If you have a MARVIN PIN, you may also provide that.

In addition, the most important details of all: your employer’s name and whereabouts. If you don’t know the full name of your former employer, then it would be a great time to go back and ask. You must also provide contact information and comprehensive information of your earnings with your former employer.

If you still have questions, you may drop the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Telephone them at 18665000017. The checks may be gotten during Saturdays.