Unemployment Eligibility
The Unemployment Insurance program provides financial benefits for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own, are able to, available for, and actively seeking work as instructed. Eligibility for receiving benefits is set by law.
This section provides a general overview of eligibility requirements, more specific information about your claim can be found under a claimant's web-service account or contacting the call center at the toll-free numbers on this website. After filing an initial application for Unemployment Insurance benefits, you will receive a Determination of Unemployment Compensation with information about your monetary eligibility. This monetary determination is not a guarantee of payment. It is to advise you and your employer that a claim for benefits has been filed and, if eligible, what the weekly benefit rate will be and upon which wages that rate is based.
If there are any questions that need to be addressed on a claim, the claimant will receive a Determination of Eligibility document regarding non-monetary eligibility.
Eligibility Requirements while Filing
In order to be eligible for unemployment compensation, an individual:
- Must be totally or partially unemployed.
- Must register for work unless you have been specifically exempted.
- Must be available for work on all shifts customary to the claimant’s normal occupation.
- Must be physically and mentally able to work.
- Must search for work.
- Must file timely claims for benefits.
- Must participate in Re-employment Services if selected by NH Employment Security.
- Must disclose mandatory child support payments or overpaid food stamp coupons.
- Must report any refusal of work or referral to work.
Work Search Requirements
Looking for work and providing proof of a search for work is a basic eligibility requirement when collecting unemployment benefits. Having a potential return to work date with a seasonal employer is not a guarantee of a waiver of your work search responsibility. You may be required to look for work that you are able to perform during the off season. The entry of work search activity records is required when filing a continued claim for unemployment benefits online.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The Pathway To Work Initiative allows eligible unemployed claimants to continue to receive their unemployment benefits while working full time to start businesses in New Hampshire?