Filing an unemployment claim can have many loopholes. If one has never done it before, then it can be difficult and confusing. It is a good idea to file your unemployment claim immediately, because the process may take a while before actual benefits begin. Sometimes several months can pass by.

If unemployment is a result of having been injured on the job, then worker's compensation benefits should be filed first and should be allowed to run first before filing unemployment benefits. The main reason for not filing for benefits from both areas has to do with taxation on the income they will provide you; any benefits from worker's compensation is not taxable.

Any benefits obtained by means of worker's compensation can also be lessened if unemployment benefits start while still receiving compensation. Obtaining worker's compensation should be of first importance, then a focus on unemployment benefits after. Check with both government offices before filing any actual paperwork to see what restrictions are in place, as this can vary by state. They should be able to guide you through the basic steps of filing with them also.