Layoffs on the Rise: What You Should Know

From Fox news. 

“Government jobs are pretty solid, as is the healthcare industry, but healthcare is always undergoing change,” he said. Regardless of the occupation you choose, Klingshirn said, “You don’t work for a company, you work for yourself. You ought to be asking yourself what you can do to tighten your belt strap and take responsibility for what is going on.”

When the worst does happen, many people file for unemployment until they can get back on their feet. Requirements vary from state to state, with some offering individuals the opportunity to file online, requiring proof of employment, and a government-issued ID.

In most states, an individual must prove they are unemployed (through no fault of their own) and actively seeking work. Wait time between applying for benefits and receiving the first check is typically three weeks, according to the Department of Labor.

In 2006, the average number of weeks unemployed individuals received unemployment was 16.8, ten weeks shy of the maximum 26 weeks someone can collect unemployment. The amount of unemployment received is typically 50% the amount earned while the individual was employed full time.