In today's economic climate, getting laid off shouldn't make you feel like you're wearing a scarlet "U" on your chest. Instead, think of unemployment as time you can use for reflection and renewal, maybe even upgrading your skills. Unemployment benefits can help reduce stress, and receiving a check will let you focus on your future. Here are four reasons that future might include more education:
- Retrain for a better job.
- Network with peers.
- Add structure and focus to a time that can sometimes seem formless.
- Show future employers you were career-minded and motivated after your layoff.
What Is Unemployment Insurance?
When you collect unemployment compensation, you're dipping into a fund overseen by the federal government, and created by your state and your former employer. Your former employer made contributions to your state's unemployment insurance fund while you were employed. Once you're laid off, you become eligible for benefits paid from this fund for a limited time to offset your living costs while you search for a new job. The eligibility requirements and benefit amounts vary greatly from state to state, but the length of entitlement is normally around six months from the day you were laid off.
State-Approved Retraining
There are ways to pursue learning while receiving unemployment benefits, but the restrictions surrounding eligibility can be tricky. Some states have approved training programs you can take while receiving unemployment. For example, in California, if you qualify for these programs and have gained permission from the state's Employment Development Department, you "are not required to look for work, be available for work or accept work while in training." In Massachusetts, if you apply before the 15th week of your unemployment insurance claim and are approved, you can pursue full-time study without keeping up a job search and your benefits will be extended for 18 weeks beyond the state's usual six-month limit.
It might seem counterintuitive to pay people to retrain, but improving your skills is a good investment. You will be more employable and less likely to draw from state funds in the future.
Learning on Your Own
Most states let you pursue education as long as you are also actively seeking employment and can take a job, even if it means stopping your education. This may preclude entering a full-time degree program, though part-time studies might still be possible. If you are considering full-time schooling, be sure to contact the state agency that handles your unemployment compensation to find out the rules for your specific situation. If you flout the rules, collecting unemployment while in school might be considered fraud and could subject you to fines and prosecution.
Finding the Right Fit
Keep in mind this is a special time in your life. It can be hard to juggle a job search and a program of education when both have very open-ended time requirements. Consider classes outside your normal working hours. For example, if you're looking for 9-to-5 work, take classes at night.
With a bit of preparation, you can turn a layoff into a period of growth. Unemployment compensation is there to cushion the financial blow and help you get your career back on track. Education or retraining can offer a boost to get you chugging along again.
Checklist
- Act Fast: Layoffs can occur without warning and leave you little time to assess your next step. The first days after a layoff are the time to act. Contact the state agency that handles unemployment benefits as soon as you are laid off. The Department of Labor's Web site contains information on how to reach your appropriate state agency.
- Check Your State's Web Site: Look for information on education and retraining. Many state sites have a wealth of information and will explain the options so you can decide your next step. Unfortunately, some state sites are incomplete or difficult to use. If you're confused about benefits, education policies or retraining programs, call or visit the state office and have someone explain the rules.
- Make a Plan: You may have to present a case for your request to receive state-approved training. This could include documentation that you and the desired program meet all of the criteria established by your state.
- Follow the Rules: If you choose to pursue other education, enroll only after you are certain you are not violating any state requirements. If you have any questions about conflicts between your schooling and receiving benefits, call the state agency that handles unemployment compensation.
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