Unemployment?

[GodRaine 0]

Hi all! 

 

I'm currently under permanent resident status through a K1 Visa, waiting for additional correspondence from the USCIS on my next steps. The last communication I received from them basically said "we are pretty busy right now, so here's an extension and we will get back to you". This happened shortly after my successful petition for Removal of Conditions in early 2018. 

 

My town is currently under a variance to the Public Lockdown Order in Colorado, meaning we have been doing good at managing caseload. However this month our numbers doubled and we are being told that if things don't improve in the next two weeks, we will lose our variance. 

 

During national lockdown between March and June 2020, my company kept everyone employed and paid over that entire time, which was awesome. They're now telling us that should our store shut down, that may not be possible again. 

 

What are my options for filing for unemployment as a permanent resident? I've done some basic research and determined that its technically 0possible, but I'm worried about running afoul of the USCIS filing for a public benefit. 

 

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you everyone! 

 

[NikLR 13,228]

You can file for unemployment as an LPR.  I filed while I was furloughed by my last company.  Unemployment is not a public benefit, it's an insurance type just like in Canada. You pay into it and are entitled to recieve it. It's also a state issue, not a federal one. 

 

As a note, Im also in Colorado. 

Edited October 24, 2020 by NikLR
Edited to add