Teamsters who are laid off from work are entitled to Unemployment Benefits. Below are links to help you apply and answer any questions you may have about unemployment compensation.
If you're having any trouble with your unemployment application please email Principal Officer Richard Hooker Jr. at [email protected].
Pennsylvania Unemployment Application
New Jersey Unemployment Application
FAQs
Am I Eligible for Unemployment?
Unemployment compensation (UC) is money paid to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
Any unemployed person may file a claim for UC benefits. Your eligibility is based on the information provided by you and your employer(s) after you file an application for UC benefits. Following your application for benefits, there are three basic steps to determining eligibility for UC benefits:
How much did I need to work to be eligible?
The first step is determining whether you are financially eligible for benefits. In other words, did you earn sufficient wages and credit weeks in employment covered by the PA UC Law? Services performed by an individual for remuneration are deemed to be covered employment unless otherwise designated under the PA UC Law. For example, agricultural labor and domestic services performed in a private home are specifically exempt from coverage under the PA UC Law. Services performed in self-employment are likewise not covered, because they do not constitute "employment" under the PA UC Law. After you file, you will receive a notice of financial determination indicating whether you are financially eligible.
I was laid off, am I eligible?
If you have been determined to be financially eligible, the second step involves the nature of your job loss or separation. In other words, are you out of work through no fault of your own? If you were laid off due to operational changes in your workplace you are eligible for unemployment benefits. The state determines eligibility based on the information you supply when you file for benefits, and information collected from your former employer.
How do I requalify?
The third qualifier to receiving UC benefits involves meeting various tests on a week-to-week basis. For example, you must be able and available to accept suitable work, not refuse work when offered without good cause and participate in reemployment services if required. You'll also have to register for employment-search services at PA CareerLink® within 30 days after filing an application for benefits and actively seek work during each week that you claim UC benefits.
Can I work while on unemployment?
If you are working and receiving UC benefits to which you are not entitled it may result in reducing or removing future benefit entitlement until repaid.
You may receive benefits if you:
- Were laid off or your hours were reduced because your employer did not have enough work for you
- Left your last job and can show it was for good cause related to the job (such as unsafe working conditions)
- You were discharged from your job for reasons that are not considered willful misconduct
- Are actively looking for work
- Mentally and physically able to work
You may not receive benefits if you:
- Left your job for personal reasons unrelated to work
- Were terminated for misconduct
- Are not legally authorized to work in the United States
- Are self-employed