Here you will find summaries of the major benefits and resources available to today’s unemployed workers, including links to government websites designed to help workers access current benefit programs. 

Regular & Disaster Unemployment Benefits
While there are major gaps in today’s unemployment insurance system, the basic goals have remain unchanged since the program was first created during the Depression - to provide unemployed workers with some insurance against economy hardship and to help those communities hit hardest by unemployment.  What follows is more detail on the regular 26 weeks unemployment benefits available in the states and the special program available to workers who lose their jobs as a result of a disaster. >> Read More.

Regular State Benefits - Learn more about state benefits.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance - Learn about unemployment insurance benefits for those out of work due to disasters.

Unemployment Benefits, Training & Health Care Benefits for Trade-Impacted Workers
In 2002, Congress revamped the federal benefits available to workers who lost their jobs (or have less work) due to trade imports or exports, called Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).  Qualifying workers are now entitled to receive career counseling, up to 104 weeks of subsidized retraining (when first approved by the state), extended unemployment benefits of up to 52 weeks while enrolled in training, and a refundable federal income tax credit covering 65% of the cost of certain health insurance (including COBRA coverage). >> Read More.

What to do “When the Paycheck Stops”?
Access the AFL-CIO’s on-line resource, “Unemployment Help,” helping workers to find employment, access available programs and services, and cover expenses while unemployed. 

Local Public Resources for the Unemployed
The federal government funds local "One-Stop Career Centers" to help workers acess available employment services and benefits. >> Read More.