I have been receiving almost $800/month. Am I eligible for any benefits

Q) I was laid off in September 2020. I immediately accepted a position with an insurance company on a commission only basis. To date, I have yet to draw a paycheck. At the same time I have been receiving almost $800/month that has been an on-going amount from a former insurance job several years ago. Am I eligible for any benefits for this period and ongoing until I begin bringing in a paycheck?

A) It depends on the specific eligibility criteria of your state’s unemployment insurance program. In general, to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own, be able and available to work, and actively seeking work. Additionally, you must have earned a certain amount of wages during a specified period of time prior to becoming unemployed, which is referred to as the “base period.”

If you were laid off from your previous job and meet the other eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits even if you are receiving $800/month from a former insurance job. However, if you voluntarily left your previous job, it may impact your eligibility for unemployment benefits.

Regarding your current commission-only position, if you are not receiving any pay at the moment, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. However, eligibility for benefits in this situation will depend on your state’s specific rules and how they define “unemployment.” Some states may consider commission-only workers to be self-employed or independent contractors, which could impact your eligibility for benefits.

It’s best to contact your state’s unemployment office to determine your specific eligibility for benefits. They can provide you with the most accurate information and assist you in filing a claim for benefits if you are eligible.