Unemployment benefits can help you keep your head above water if you lose your job. As long as you meet all the eligibility requirements of your specific state, including the reason for being unemployed and the length of time you held your job before losing it, you should qualify to receive benefits that will give you some income while you look for another job. As you complete your forms, find your employer’s state unemployment tax number. Generally, states keep it simple by using the IRS-issued Employer Identification Number.
Step 1
Locate your W-2 form for your most recent employer. Employers must send employees a W-2 form at the beginning of every calendar year to report earned wages and deducted taxes for the previous calendar year.
Step 2
Find the employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number in box “B” of the W-2 form.
Step 3
Call your most recent employer if you cannot locate your former employer’s federal EIN because you don’t have a W-2 form to check. Speak with a representative in the Human Resources or Accounting department. If your employer does not have these departments, speak with the owner or whomever is in charge of issuing paychecks.
References
Resources
Tips
- Some states may use the Employer's State ID Number located on the W-2 between boxes 15 and 16. If you are unsure about which number to use, visit the U.S. Department of Labor website. View the list of state agencies to find contact information for your state unemployment agency. Contact your state agency to find out which number they require.
Writer Bio
Kathryn Hatter is a veteran home-school educator, as well as an accomplished gardener, quilter, crocheter, cook, decorator and digital graphics creator. As a regular contributor to Natural News, many of Hatter's Internet publications focus on natural health and parenting. Hatter has also had publication on home improvement websites such as Redbeacon.