after you (1) receive your eligibility determination AND (2) file your first weekly claim. Applying online will help expedite this process. If you are eligible, you will receive payments retroactive to the date you became eligible.

To be eligible you must have worked 20 weeks last year and made at least $269 per week (before taxes or other deductions) for each of those weeks. For a step-by-step guide to applying for unemployment benefits, click here. Additional instructions are available here if you lost your job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are unemployed but were not eligible for benefits until the CARES Act (covering part-time workers, self employed and independent contractors during the COVID 19 pandemic) see this post for additional information.