I have spent the last 3 months working on starting my own business and I was wondering if I can still file for unemployment insurance and expect to receive benefits. I live in Texas if that matters.
2006-12-10 04:28:18 · 5 answers · asked by MonaB 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Eligibility requirements differ state to state. The best thing to do is to file a claim as soon as possible. You should be able to file a claim even though your severance runs through December. If you do so, you will receive a determination of eligibility, and if eligible you will not receive benefits until the severance ends.
I am not familiar with the requirements for eligibility in Texas, but in Utah if a claimant indicates that they are starting a business they would most likely be deemed ineligible. Rules stipulate that if an individual is working full-time, even if he is not being paid, he is not eligible for unemployment. The reasoning is that an individual starting a business is working full-time for that business even though the business may not be able to pay the individual for some time.
Eligibility requirements necessitate that a claimant actively seek bonafide employment and be willing to accept a reasonable offer of work. It is possible to qualify for benefits if one withholds information pertaining to starting a business; however, if that individual receives benefits and it later becomes known to the bureau of unemployment insurance that the individual either has not sought work, or refused a reasonable offer of work, the individual may be pursued for committing fraud.
2006-12-11 15:43:58 · answer #1 · answered by Roman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can apply but have to still show that you are looking for work; did your company pay into unemployment? If not, you will not be eligible for any benefits. If that is the case, you should find something to support yourself that will still allow you to work on getting your own business going. Many people work full time on alternate shifts and run their own businesses during regular hours. It all depends upon the nature of your business. Also you might look into getting a small business loan to help you out.
2006-12-10 12:32:48 · answer #2 · answered by cmpbush 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You still have to show the job search even if you are trying to start your own business.
2006-12-10 12:36:00 · answer #3 · answered by Kacky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No problem - as long as you do your job search as required.
2006-12-10 12:30:48 · answer #4 · answered by Say What? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try, the worst that can happen is that they reject your request.
2006-12-10 12:30:31 · answer #5 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋