University Students: Are Unemployment Benefits Claimable?

University students may be eligible for unemployment benefits, depending on their circumstances. In the US, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, part of the stimulus package, expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits to those who otherwise wouldn't qualify, such as students. However, each state has different criteria for who can receive benefits. For example, in Connecticut, students can be eligible for unemployment benefits if they are available for and seeking full-time work that doesn't conflict with classes. In the UK, third-level students can't claim Jobseeker's Allowance or Benefit while studying full-time, but they can claim a jobseeker's payment if they can't find work after finishing college.

Part-time work and eligibility

• In the United States, eligibility for unemployment compensation is determined by both federal and state law. While federal law applies universally, each state may have its own additional criteria.
• Generally, unemployment benefits are available to covered workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are willing, able, and available for full-time work.
• The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) covers most employers but exempts services "performed in the employ of a school, college, or university" by enrolled students who regularly attend classes. This includes work-study programs that are an integral part of the educational program.
• According to a 2012 Congressional Research Service report, most states disqualify students from receiving unemployment compensation. The main reasons are that students are often considered unable or unavailable to accept full-time work due to their enrollment and that they may not have established earnings to qualify.
• However, several states have expanded their eligibility criteria to include student workers, and there may be exceptions for students who work part-time.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act expanded unemployment insurance eligibility to include full-time students who were also working part-time before the pandemic.
• In California, students restricting their availability to part-time work due to school attendance may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they meet certain conditions, such as actively seeking and being willing to accept work, and being in a labor market with a reasonable demand for their part-time services.
• In the UK, third-level students cannot claim Jobseeker's Allowance or Benefit while studying full-time. However, they can claim these benefits if they are unable to find work after permanently finishing college or if they leave without completing their course.
• Full-time students in the UK may be eligible for other benefits, such as Universal Credit, Carer's Allowance, and Child Benefit, depending on their specific circumstances.

Full-time students and disqualification

Full-time students are generally not eligible to claim unemployment benefits. In the US, unemployment insurance is a benefit paid for by federal and state governments, and full-time students are typically disqualified from receiving it. However, there are some exceptions and special circumstances that may allow full-time students to receive unemployment benefits.

Firstly, it is important to note that unemployment benefits are typically only available to those who are unemployed through no fault of their own. If a full-time student voluntarily leaves their job without a valid reason, they may be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. On the other hand, if a full-time student is laid off or experiences a reduction in hours due to circumstances beyond their control, they may be eligible for benefits.

Additionally, full-time students who are enrolled in approved training programs or are willing to change their class schedule to accommodate work may be eligible for unemployment benefits in certain states. For example, in Connecticut, regularly enrolled students who are available for and seeking full-time work that does not conflict with their classes may be eligible for benefits.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about changes to unemployment benefits, and full-time students who lost their jobs or internships due to the pandemic may have been eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. This program provided temporary expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits, including for those with limited work history, such as students.

In summary, while full-time students typically do not qualify for unemployment benefits, there may be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances and the state in which they reside. It is important for full-time students to carefully review the eligibility requirements in their state and consult with the relevant government departments to determine their eligibility for unemployment benefits.

Unemployment Insurance and eligibility

Unemployment insurance is a benefit paid for by federal and state governments to help workers replace some of their lost wages after becoming unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own. The eligibility criteria and requirements for receiving unemployment benefits vary by state.

Eligibility Factors

To be eligible for unemployment benefits, an individual must meet the monetary requirements as determined by the State Unemployment Insurance Agency. They must have sufficient, qualified earnings within their base period, as well as proof of identity and a valid mailing address. The individual must also be able and available to perform full-time work and be actively seeking it.

Disqualification Factors

An individual may be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits if they are unable or unavailable to perform full-time work. Other disqualification factors include being discharged for misconduct, brief unemployment during a disciplinary layoff/suspension, and having earned income that is greater than or equal to 1.5 times the weekly benefit amount.

Student Eligibility

Students who are enrolled in school or a training program approved by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they are seeking work and available for full-time employment that does not conflict with classes. However, full-time students are generally disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits.

Applying for Unemployment Benefits

The process of applying for unemployment benefits can be challenging and time-consuming, and it is important to provide accurate and thorough information. The specific steps may vary depending on the state, but individuals typically need to file a claim through their state unemployment insurance program and create a user account to receive payments.

COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program

The PUA program, implemented as part of the stimulus package to assist the U.S. economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits to those who otherwise wouldn't qualify, such as part-time employees and individuals with limited work history, including students. This program allowed students to claim unemployment benefits for losing their summer internships, part-time jobs, and work-study opportunities.

State-specific requirements

In the US, there is no federal unemployment program. Each state manages its own unemployment insurance program and sets its own eligibility rules. Therefore, state-specific requirements for university students to claim unemployment benefits can vary.

In general, college students typically struggle to qualify for unemployment insurance (UI) because they don't meet one or more of the three common eligibility criteria: they haven't earned enough money, they haven't worked long enough, or they are not available for full-time work due to their student status.

However, during the coronavirus pandemic, Congress created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provided aid to college students who lost their jobs due to Covid-19. About half of the states in the country covered student workers who were still available for full-time work with regular UI benefits. In other states, students were disqualified from local UI because they were not considered 'available for full-time work' due to their full-time education.

To determine specific state requirements, it is recommended to select your state on the official government website to learn about eligibility rules and how to file for unemployment benefits.

Application process

The application process for unemployment benefits as a university student varies depending on your location. Here is an overview of the process in different places:

United States

Eligibility for unemployment compensation in the United States is determined by both federal and state law. While federal law applies universally, each state may expand eligibility as it sees fit. In general, unemployment benefits are available to covered workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are willing, able, and available for full-time work. Additionally, workers must have earned a certain amount (dependent on the state) and/or have been employed for a certain period to be eligible.

The Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) covers most employers and requires them to pay a certain percentage of an employee's wages to their state unemployment insurance fund, which can then be used by eligible employees. Services "performed in the employ of a school, college, or university" by an enrolled student who regularly attends classes are exempt from FUTA taxes. However, if the services performed by a student are not tied to their degree, they may be covered by FUTA.

Individual states have different eligibility criteria for unemployment benefits. Most states prohibit students from receiving unemployment compensation, but some have expanded their eligibility to include student workers. The criteria often depend on whether the student is considered part-time or full-time and whether they are able to work full-time while enrolled.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, regularly enrolled students may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they are available for and seeking full-time work that does not conflict with classes. Additionally, they must have been a full-time student and full-time employee at any time during the two years before becoming unemployed. Alternatively, students must be in training approved by the Labor Commissioner and be willing to change classes or drop out if a job conflict arises.

United Kingdom

In the UK, third-level students cannot claim Jobseeker's Allowance or Benefit while they are studying full-time. However, once they have finished college permanently or left without completing their course, they can claim a jobseeker's payment if they cannot find work.

One means-tested benefit available to students in the UK is Universal Credit, which is paid to those on low incomes or who are out of work. To be eligible, you must be over 18 (with some exceptions), under the State Pension age, not in full-time education, and available for work.

Frequently asked questions