Below is a summary of how to apply for and keep getting unemployment benefits. You can use this as a checklist to help you get started.
1. Understand your eligibility
c Are you able to work and available for work?
c Did you earn at least $5,297 before taxes or other deductions in the 12-18 months before losing your job?
2. Submit your initial claim application
c Gather the information and documents you need for the application. This includes:
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- Information about yourself, your employer(s), and your work history.
- Official documents to prove your identity and earnings.
c Decide:
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- How you want to be contacted (mail or email) and paid (direct deposit or pre-paid debit card).
- Whether you want taxes withheld from weekly benefits.
c Apply online at NEworks.nebraska.gov.
| When will I get a decision on my initial application? | How will I find out about the decision on my application? |
| It may take up to 3 weeks. While waiting, you should start filing your weekly claims. For more information, see page 11 of the handbook. |
You will get a determination notice to let you know if you met eligibility requirements. For more information, see page 9 of the handbook. |
3. File your weekly claims
c File a claim every week that you want benefits.
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- File after the week is over (as early as Sunday).
- File online at NEworks.nebraska.gov.
- Make sure to report any wages you earned that week.
4. Stay eligible for benefits
c Be able to work and available for work each week.
c Complete 5 reemployment activities each week. At least 2 of the 5 activities must be job applications.
| What can I do if I disagree with a decision? |
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If you disagree with a decision, you have the right to file an appeal. We must get your appeal within 20 days of the mailing date. While your appeal is pending, you should continue to file weekly claims if you remain unemployed. For more information, see page 17 of the handbook. |