Permanent Resident / i-864 - Unemployment Benefits

[nicolem1593 0]

Hi there,

I came here on a finace visa last summer and since then have received my Green Card. I've been working since September and was suddenly laid off for lack of work. Hoping to apply for Unemployment benefits but want to make sure my husband and me do not encounter trouble. He signed the I-864 stating that I would not become a public charge. I think this includes food stamps and public welfare but is unemployment grouped in there as well?

[aussie_jason 195]

His income would be used for any means test but I'm not sure if unemployment benefits are means tested or not.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Unemployment is insurance which is paid for by an employer. The eligibility requirements vary from one state to another. In some states you must have worked for a minimum period of time. In others, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages during the time you were employed. In all cases, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own (you didn't quit and you weren't fired for cause), you must be willing to work and physically capable of working, and you must actively look for work while you're collecting benefits. In most states they will ask the employer to confirm your eligibility. If the employer doesn't confirm your claim then you usually won't get any benefits.

No Public Charge Stuff, at all.