Should You Still Collect Unemployment Benefits If a New Job Offer Pays Less?

That's a question that bears asking in a very iffy economy. Say for example, you collect unemployment benefits of $15 per hour but a new job as a bill collector only pays about $11 per hour, it does make sense to continue with the unemployed help than accept the offer and loss your benefits. But of course, the choice is not as black and white as that.
Depending on the state they are living in, retrenched workers usually collect unemployment benefits for six months although federal assistance can extend unemployed help in case of loss of a job to as much as two years. Considering studies that it takes about eight months for a worker to find a new job in America, two years is still a very long time. Don't forget, unemployment benefits do not come out of thin air, they come from the shrinking pockets of fellow Americans.
On one hand, the long-term assistance does provide a false sense of security for some Americans working in white-collar work to wait "for a better job" to come along rather than the low-pay, high-sweat blue-collar employment they are offered. On the other hand, there are families out there who are in serious need of help and the unemployment benefits they receive are the only lifeline that prevents them from spiraling into debt.
It can't be denied that some Americans are abusing the system: they collect unemployment benefits unnecessarily, it still boils down to one's moral fibers. It's a good thing that the majority of the unemployed are actively looking for a job (that's actually a requirement to receive benefits but that's not the only reason), not just because of the security and stability they provide but also to boost their self-esteem. Anybody who hasn't experienced what's it like to not work do not understand its impact to one's psyche.
The choice therefore is clear: either find menial work at below minimum wages or continue to collect unemployment benefits and live off the sweat of the rest of other Americans who are also struggling with the economic slowdown. Most laid-off workers, fortunately enough, are still making the right choice.

How Long Can You Collect Unemployment Benefits

The Federal Department of Labor works along with different States to grant unemployment benefits to the individuals who become unemployed due to unforeseen circumstances. The eligibility criteria and the benefits differ from state to state and are also different on a case to case basis.
The policies are formed taking into account the rate of unemployment in a particular state and comparing it with the unemployment rate in the entire nation. However, the basic rules of arriving at the final amount are almost the same all over US. The official website of a particular state provides further details regarding the same.
In order to qualify for the benefits, the individual should be employed for at least one year continuously. The person should also prove by records that he or she is not responsible for being terminated from the current job.
Individuals can file their claims only once in a year. The benefits would be provided to the person for a period of 26 weeks. You can apply for extension if you think that you may not be able to acquire a job within the claims period. However, the chance of you being granted an extension may depend on the state. The extension period is generally 13 weeks after the regular unemployment benefits period.
You may not get the same amount consecutively every week. The payment amount depends on the unemployment scenario in the whole nation. In case you are able to get a new job within the benefit period, you would be devoid of the unemployment benefits. If you become unemployed again the same year, you are still eligible for the remaining benefit amount.

The No-Fuss Guide to Collecting Extended Unemployment Benefits

Stressed as your last unemployment benefit collection is drawing near? Are you still facing job loss and utterly hopeless? Stop stressing yourself out because now the US government has now found a way to give out some unemployed help for those who are still facing unemployment despite the measure made. Here are is a no fuss guide to collecting extended unemployment benefits.
Collecting Extended Unemployment benefits is available for those who live in states that have an unemployment rate of 6% or more and is still unemployed. This program offers an additional 13 weeks to your existing benefits, making it a total of around 33 weeks all in all. Still there are also other states that have held back or even totally removed it hoping to motivate the people to find work sooner. See what's what in your state and from there we move on to the next step.
Let's say that luckily your state still offers extended unemployment benefits to those who are found eligible. This is definitely good news since added benefits also mean more time to go job hunting. The downside is the whole filing process, which can sometimes get a tad too confusing.
First thing to do is wait for the official notice from your state unemployment office notifying you that your period of receiving benefits are up. Up until then, all you can do is wait for that time. Do not get too excited and started to file for one even when you haven't received any official notice yet.
Upon receiving the official notice you can now start the application process. If you want to do it the conventional way, then go to your nearest unemployment office and ask for the forms that will be needed to file for extended unemployment benefits. Fill these as accurately as you can. Here, perfection is key. Every detail written down should be correct, with not misspelled words or missed information.
Preparing all the documents that you think you might need will save you both time and money. Just in case some documents are needed you can comply with them right away since they have already been prepared.
The possibility that your application will be denied is always present. In case something like this happens, you can always make an appeal for them to reconsider. This process is more complex as compared to this, but that is an entirely different story.
Collecting extended unemployment benefits is a gift to those who are experiencing a longer period of job loss than expected. Availing of government programs such as this will greatly help you get back on track even with the threat of unemployment always present.