Unemployment benefits are paid out by the gov't from a pool that all employers pay into.

You get some odd fraction of what you made (Ex. I made 398/wk working and got 176/wk on unemployment). It's paid weekly. You have to show proof that you are looking for work by documenting interviews and applications put in.

And I think you have to have been on that job for 6 months... the benefits start off at 26 weeks and you can file for an extension after that.

i helped my aunt and uncle filed for unemployment benefits, and after the inital application process, you would have to call this number every other sunday and go through a touch-tone procedure where they asked you if you are able to work, have you look for work and etc. in order to get your money.

How much you get depends on the state. I applied directly at the office and had to bring in some paperwork my company gave me when they let me go. (They will give you paperwork that is specifically meant for the Department of Labor). If you are getting a severance package, they will probably still approve you (they will approve your benefits as long as you were let go, and not fired for misconduct or quit on your own accord). However, your benefits won't kick in UNTIL your severance has run out. I was officially on unemployment benefits for 3 months. I think they would have paid benefits for an additional 2 months or so. In the time I was on benefits, I had to attend monthly seminars (stuff like resume writing, financial management, interviewing skills) and show proof of job searching (had to submit forms with dates of contact and job descriptions). On Sundays I had to answer questions online dealing with my job search. I got maybe 270 a week.