FILE AN UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION CLAIM IMMEDIATELY, regardless of your reason for being out of work, unless your are collecting worker's compensation.

Never attempt to file your initial unemployment compensation claim on a Monday. Everybody else wants to file on a Monday and you will either get a busy signal or be on hold a long time. Waiting one day to file an initial unemployment compensation claim will not adversely affect your receipt of benefits.

Be honest when filing your unemployment compensation claim. There are many checks and balances and, if you lie, you WILL GET CAUGHT.

Read ALL the paperwork that you receive in the mail regarding your unemployment compensation claim. Many claimants do not read the paperwork and cause needless delays in their receipt of unemployment compensation benefits.

NOTHING IS AUTOMATIC. Your participation in the unemployment compensation process does not end after you file your initial unemployment compensation claim. READ THE MANUAL!

File your biweekly unemployment compensation claim on Sunday or Monday. This way you will receive your benefits sooner. Each day you delay filing your biweekly unemployment compensation claim will result in at least another day before you receive your benefits.

If you are denied unemployment compensation benefits or receive information that you are not financially eligible, FILE AN APPEAL.

Get in the habit of keeping your pay stubs for at least three years. They may be necessary when you file your initial unemployment compensation claim if there are problems with your employer’s reporting of your wages.

Do not file for unemployment compensation benefits if you are collecting worker’s compensation. Unemployment compensation benefits are taxable and your worker’s compensation benefits are reduced by the amount of your unemployment compensation benefits.

DO NOT take unemployment compensation advice from a friend, relative or co-worker.

Some employers consider those who work for them to be Independent Contractors.

If your state offers it, sign up for direct deposit of your unemployment compensation benefits. You will receive them sooner.

Don't provide too much information.

If you feel you are being sexually harassed, take action through the proper channels provided by your employer.