Willingness and Ability to Work

• The purpose of unemployment benefits is to help unemployed workers return to work. So, one of the main requirements of the unemployment insurance eligibility criteria is for workers to be willing to actively search for employment and accept suitable employment offers. If you are studying full time at a school or college, you may not meet this requirement and not qualify for benefits. However, if you attend school in the evenings or weekends, it will not make you ineligible for unemployment benefits.
  
  

Financial Requirements

• To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must meet certain financial requirements. Each state has its own criteria, but in most states this includes earning a minimum income during your base period of employment. Your base period includes the first four quarters of your last five completed quarters. If you have never worked before or have not worked enough to qualify, there are other federal and state programs you can apply for for financial assistance while attending school, such as the federal Pell Grant program.
  
  

Approved Training Programs

• Once you have been approved in a state unemployment insurance program, you may apply for education and training programs to help your return to the workplace. These programs offer financial assistance and advice in applying for training courses in high-demand industries and fields you are passionate about. There are several training programs you can apply for, such as the Entrepreneurial Training Program, the Career Advancement Voucher Program and the Workforce Development Partnership Act. If you receive training under an approved program, you will continue to receive unemployment benefits. However, this does not mean you will not have to meet general eligibility requirements, such as actively searching for work.
  
  

CareerOneStop

• CareerOneStop is a federally funded employment program that provides information and assistance to unemployed individuals seeking for work. The program helps you connect with local employment and training opportunities. Visit CareerOneStop's service locator (see Resources) to find approved colleges and other training facilities in your area sponsored by the Workforce Investment Act and the Trade Adjustment Assistance programs.