Involuntary Job Loss

• If your job ends as a result of weather conditions, most states consider you to have lost your job through no fault of your own since you have no control over the elements. This is true even if you are called back to the same job at a later date. You must receive notice -- written or oral -- from a company representative that you are being laid off because of weather conditions. When you apply for unemployment benefits, truthfully report the reason for the job loss.
  
  

Available for Work

• To become and remain eligible for unemployment benefits, you must be physically able to work. If you are disabled, you might be advised to look into disability benefits.
  
  

Actively Seeking Employment

• You have to look for work week after week if you are collecting benefits. Some states require that you keep written records of your job search, recording the date and company name of every job hunt effort.
  
  

Returning to Work

• If you work or earn any money while you are collecting unemployment, you must report those earnings to your state agency when you file your weekly or biweekly continuing claims. If you are called back to work permanently, you can report the return to work via your weekly claim form, or simply stop returning claim forms to the agency. Failing to file your regular continuing claim form will trigger a cessation of benefits.