Can anybody tell me if, as a permanent resident, I am eligible to recieve unemployment benefits? My husband got laid off last october, as his industry has come to an almost stand still here, and although he is now working again we have used all of our savings and are in a lot of debt from the period when he was out of work. I am 8 months pregnant, so can no longer work- but am wondering if I can collect unemployment benefits until I can work again? I have been trying to obtain this information online, but have not found it anywhere, so if anyone could direct me to a useful site I would much appreciate it!

lauraxmarie,

The requirements for unemployment compensation vary from state to state - they are state-run programs. In general one must have been terminated without cause and must be actively seeking new employment.

If you quit your job, or are on maternity leave, you probably do not qualify for unemployment compensation. But stop looking on the internet and head down to your local unemployment office if you want to find out for sure if you qualify in your state. (Or maybe you can't at 8 months, in which case I apologize for the suggestion.)

Yodrak

IF you quit your Job due to being Pregnant, You would go on what we call Maternity Leave, not unemployment. To receive unemployement you must show that you are actively looking for work, each states has different requirements. And if you were to get laid off, then yes you would be qualify for unemployment as long as you are here legally. It's not considered mean assisted benefit. Because when you work part of your pay check goes for that insurance.

Typically, unemployment compensation is for periods of involuntary unemployment. It does not cover you for periods while you are voluntarily unemployed or due to medical reasons you are unemployable....

Everything that other posters have said is correct. Your LPR status has nothing to do with eligibility for unemployment benefits - any legally employed person can get these benefits from the employer, but to qualify for unemployment, you have to be laid off/fired from your job through no fault (or desire) of your own, AND be actively seeking new employment. Pregnancy disability does not qualify you for unemployment benefits. I know it sucks...

Everything the previous post have stated about unemployment is correct, so I will not repeat what they have said.
Have you looked into state run programs that are there to help low income/unemployed expectant mothers. There are programs out there that assist with pre-natal health care (if you have no insurance) and getting medicine, formula and diapers for the baby once it is born.....and perhaps even more. Just as unemployment regulations they vary from state to state, but it may be something you can look at....and it could offer some assistance to you. I'm sorry you're going through a tough time financially. Take care and hope things look up for your soon!

-P

Thanks for all the replies and advice guys

Check out you local services, local clinic for WIC program, even in the pre natal stage you might be eligible to get voucher for food, milk and so on.

Definitely look into WIC or Food Stamps, they are available to everyone, immigrant or not. You qualify for WIC if you're pregnant, also after you have the baby. WIC will help pay for formula for the baby afterwards, or if you breast feed (BEST OPTION FOR YOUR BABY!!!!) will help pay for food for you. Most states have free care for women who are pregnant and for children.