unemployment benefits count for income?

[carla1 4]

Do unemployment benefits count toward the poverty level? Does anyone know?

[Jason_Do 7]

It does count as income, and you have to include those in your tax file.....

[pushbrk 12,898]

Do unemployment benefits count toward the poverty level? Does anyone know?

You can put it on the form but the Consular officer is going to be making a subjective decision about the public charge issue and they'll know the benefits are temporary.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

You can put it on the form but the Consular officer is going to be making a subjective decision about the public charge issue and they'll know the benefits are temporary.

Agreed. Unemployment benefits are insurance payments, paid for by your employer, so they are qualifying income. If you received unemployment benefits at some point during the year, but are working now, then it won't likely be a problem. If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits then expect the CO to ask for a co-sponsor.

[carla1 4]

Thanks everyone!

I have some unemployment benefits for 2010 and wanted to know if they count, I have been working since June 10th 2010, so should be ok.

[pushbrk 12,898]

Thanks everyone!

I have some unemployment benefits for 2010 and wanted to know if they count, I have been working since June 10th 2010, so should be ok.

When providing an affidavit of support to sponsor a K1 visa applicant, there's no place to "count" your 2010 income. You state your current income and provide a tax return if you choose or think it will help. Best practice is to provide one. They'll look at whatever they look at but they'll do the counting not you.