Correcting an error in the unemployment claim is possible. However, it requires some important steps that cannot always take at the desired speed.
Every month, millions of people in the United States file for unemployment benefits. However, it is a process that is not always error-free, in addition to waiting lists and some problems that can occur.
Why are there problems with unemployment benefits claims?
No single reason can cause an error when applying for unemployment benefits. These errors can be caused by the applicant or, in some cases, by the state administrations and offices (although the latter is less common).
On the other hand, it must consider that this process will generally take several weeks to complete. The offices in charge of these tasks have been relatively saturated recently. That has also contributed to the applicants having more anxiety when preparing the documentation, and, by extension, more mistakes are made.
These are the most common errors made when applying for unemployment benefits:
You are not filing for unemployment insurance correctly
The first thing is to be clear that each state will determine who is qualified and who is not for the different unemployment benefits. That is very important since the applications will not be the same in this regard, depending on the states.
Although in exceptional situations such as that caused by the coronavirus pandemic, there may be some similarities in claims across the country, this is usually not the case.
Generally, you usually qualify for benefits when you have been laid off, your hours have been reduced, or your job has been suspended. However, as we said, exceptional situations can arise: for example, coronavirus patients in the middle of a pandemic.
That means that even people who have seen a reduction in the number of hours of their employment can use these applications.
Not knowing which aid is applicable
Another common mistake often leads to not filling out the application correctly. To begin with, it is not only people with full-time jobs who lose those jobs who are eligible. However, the qualification is not the same for a person whose hours of employment are reduced as it is for someone who has lost their job.
On the other hand, the required documentation volume has increased in response to the new scheduling requirements—for example, 1099 tax forms, invoice statements, or proof of deposits in bank accounts. Failure to submit these documents correctly may result in loss of qualification.
Understanding the pending claim situation
That is another common mistake, as many people quickly lose patience when their processes drag on for a long time. However, pending claims are quite common.
It is a normal and quick process. The first steps of these claims are generated in about a week. However, this is not always the case. It is relatively frequent that queries, new documentation, or even data verification are needed.
On the other hand, it is also not uncommon for the process to be suspended if an irregularity or serious error is made in the application. It may even happen that the process has to be restarted.
The reasons why a claim may be pending are not limited to the above. It is also possible that the processing volume of the handling departments is overloaded.
When an error has been made, the institutions will inform us of this. That will allow us to submit the documentation or make the required amendments.
Other frequent errors
In addition to the ones we have already told you about, there are some relatively frequent mistakes. These would be the most important ones:
- Having forgotten how to access the online platform to process the application. This error may seem trivial, but it is frequent and can generate significant problems. It should take into account that in some states, regenerating a password can take a remarkable amount of time since it has to be done via telephone.
- Another quite frequent mistake is not taking taxes into account. It should remember that unemployment earnings do count as taxable income. That includes the additional revenue that is being granted by the stimulus law. Sometimes forgetting to record these taxes can create problems with taxes and the application itself.
How to fix an error in the unemployment claim
The first thing to consider is whether or not I was aware of the mistake. When you know the error, you can try to correct it quickly. If you have not realized it, you will have to wait for the institutions to let you know what the error is and how you can fix it.
Initially, the simplest process is to access the unemployment compensation web platform of the state where you live. Another option could be to obtain a form from a local unemployment office and fill it out correctly. However, in both cases, corrections are not going to be immediate.
You should know whether or not your state accepts e-mail address changes. Also, it is important to check if you may be required to provide more information depending on what you are applying for. Therefore, before filling out the application, it is essential that you thoroughly review the information you are going to provide.