• Losing your job is stressful, but there is help.Bankrupt. Businessman with empty pockets (with clipping paths) . image by Vitaliy Pakhnyushchyy from Fotolia.com
  
  Particularly during tough economic times, knowing the nation's labor laws regarding unemployment is useful. Unemployment labor laws include standard unemployment insurance, extended benefits and unemployment for those affected by disasters. For those who have recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own, knowing unemployment labor laws helps you navigate the system to get the benefits you are entitled to.
  
  

State Unemployment Insurance

• The unemployment insurance programs of the 50 states are run jointly with the federal government. The states administer the program, while the federal government provides guidelines and funding. Only people who are unemployed by no fault of their own are eligible for unemployment insurance. Conditions for what constitutes such unemployment vary from state to state. Most states fund this program through a tax on businesses, while three states fund the program with employee contributions. Claims should be filed with the local unemployment office in the state where you worked. It generally takes two to three weeks for benefits to process, and applicants must reapply for benefits every week or every other week. The state office can help you find jobs and training programs. Some states require detailed records of job searches. Those denied benefits have the right to appeal.
  
  

Extended Benefits

• Generally speaking, unemployment benefits last 26 weeks. However, during times of particularly high unemployment, you may be eligible for benefits longer. Extensions last 13 to 20 weeks, depending on where you live. The amount of your benefits is no different than when you were on regular unemployment. Not all applicants qualify for extended benefits. Qualifications vary from state to state.
  
  

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

• Disaster unemployment assistance has been a special class of benefits since 1974. It allows the president to provide special benefits for those affected by disasters. These benefits are overseen by the United States Department of Labor and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The aim is to assist those who have had their livelihoods destroyed but are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. Those eligible for DUA have an injury from a disaster that prevents them from working, can't reach the place they would normally work or have lost their job or place of unemployment due to a disaster. Benefits generally last 26 weeks. Claims should be filed in the state where the disaster happened through the state unemployment agency.