In general, most workers are covered under the Unemployment Insurance system, although notable exceptions include people who are self-employed, independent contractors, casual employees, and agricultural workers.

There are eligibility requirements which may vary slightly from state to state. They generally include the following:

(1) the worker must have earned at least a certain amount of money and worked at least a certain number of weeks (this is determined by each state);

(2) the worker must have registered for work with the State Unemployment Office;

(3) the worker must be able and available to work;

(4) the worker must be actively looking for work.

(Reviewed 9-08)