Can I apply for unemployment if I work at the school?

A) Maybe. Whether you qualify for unemployment benefits depends on a few factors, including:

• Reason for unemployment: You generally need to be unemployed through no fault of your own.
• Work history: Most states require a minimum amount of earnings in a specific time frame to qualify.
• School schedule: If you are a teacher and have a contract for the upcoming school year, you likely won’t qualify during summer break.

Here are some additional details to consider:

• School employee vs student worker: Federal law covers school employees under unemployment insurance, but states may have different rules for student workers.
• Summer break: If you are a school employee and your contract doesn’t extend through summer, you might be eligible for benefits then.

Recommendation:

Check with your state’s unemployment office to see if you qualify. You can reach out to your State unemployment office for clarification and assistance.