The COVID-19 pandemic has put millions of Americans out of work already, and as many as 14 million jobs are estimated to be lost by this summer. Designed to help them: unemployment benefits, a joint state and federal program that provides those out of work with temporary yet steady cash payments to help them financially while finding a new job.

For many laid-off workers, this may be their first time dealing with the unemployment-benefits system, which is itself under stress as a result of the astronomical increase in new claims filed. But there's good news, too: Legislation passed by Congress significantly increases payments and the length of time that they're available, and extends eligibility to the self-employed - so many gig workers and contractors will now be able to get unemployment benefits under the "Pandemic Unemployment Assistance" program.

Let us help you navigate unemployment benefits to get you the help you deserve. The sooner you apply, the better.

Who Qualifies for Unemployment Benefits?

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Unemployment benefits are available to workers who are unemployed "through no fault of their own," such as a layoff. Those fired for cause (such as misconduct), or who leave voluntarily or refuse an offer for work, need not apply.

Each state, district and territory sets its own guidelines for and the