Do you have to work for a certain amount of time at one job to collect unemployment?

Answer 1

You have to work for at least a minimum period of time and earn a minimum amount of wages, both determined by the individual states, but generally it is not limited to one employer, but the accumulation of one or more jobs.

Answer 2

No. Most states use formulas based on wages earned in the base period, and a work history of some minimum time period. The calculations can also be used to determine partial unemployment benefits, too. As each state makes their own determinations, check with your state's office for clarification.

Answer 3

Not necessarily, but it helps. Each state sets its own criteria for determining eligibility. Usually they consider the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters and then look at the wages earned in some configuration of that base period. The amount you earned and reason for leaving the job plays a role in that also. If you had worked in more than one job they split the claim among the employers involved.

Answer 4

The document you have to fill out and return asks if you refused "any work," not "any permanent employment." At the very least you should expect to have to have an interview about why you refused the temporary work.