How long can one collect unemployment benefits for?

<Eligible check> Although specific eligibility requirements vary from state to state, most states have the same basic standards for collecting unemployment benefits. They include: -You must be unemployed or working less than full time -You must meet certain income requirements -You must be ready, willing, and able to work -You must have involuntarily left your job In general, you won't be eligible for benefits if: -You quit your job simply because you didn't like it -You're fired for committing a crime (e.g., stealing) -You've never worked before For more information, contact your state's local employment office. You can also look in the state government section of your phone book under Unemployment Insurance, Unemployment Compensation, Employment Insurance, or Employment Service. Or, you can try surfing the Internet using these same key terms. <How are benefits calculated?> Regardless of which state you live in, you'll receive a weekly unemployment benefit based on how long you were ...  more