States set the requirements for unemployment eligibility, which include minimum guidelines for work history and previous earnings. Typically, those requirements could make it challenging to get unemployment benefits as a college student. But understanding all your options can help you find financial relief if you lose your job while in school.
Can College Students Get Unemployment?
The short answer to whether college students can get unemployment benefits is that it depends. Every state sets its own requirements for unemployment. Generally, you can qualify if:
You’re unemployed through no fault of your own; you didn’t quit or get fired. You meet work and wage requirements for a set time period, usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters prior to filing your unemployment claim.You meet any additional guidelines your state imposes.
Additional requirements can include being available to work and actively looking for work. In California, for example, people drawing unemployment benefits must provide weekly certification that they’re available for work.
Current College Students
Generally speaking, you could qualify for unemployment benefits as a college student if you meet the guidelines set by your state. But it’s important to note how states handle current college enrollment. In California, currently enrolled students could still be eligible for unemployment as long as they’re physically able to work and available, actively seeking, and willing to accept a job. They may also qualify for California Training Benefits, which would waive these requirements while the student attends a qualified program. In Virginia, currently enrolled students can be eligible for unemployment benefits as long as school doesn’t conflict with their ability to take a daytime job. So you could get benefits if you’re taking night or weekend classes or engaging in self-directed learning, but not if you’re attending classes during daytime business hours. Your local unemployment office can offer more details on when you can or can’t claim unemployment if you’re still in school.
Recent College Grads
If you recently graduated, you may be eligible for employment, provided you meet the general requirements outlined above as well as any other rules for filing a claim in your state. However, if you didn’t have a job at all while enrolled in school, and you have no work history or earnings that your state can use for base period calculations, you may be ineligible.
Alternatives to Unemployment Benefits
If you don’t qualify for unemployment while in school or after graduation, or your benefits have run out, you may have other options to close the financial gap. For instance, you may be able to enter a vocational training program that pays while you’re in school, so you earn an income while learning new skills. If that’s not an option, managing your finances while you’re out of work can mean going back to basics. Reviewing your spending and trimming down your budget can help. Moving back home with your parents could be a temporary solution for saving money. You could also consider selling things you don’t need to raise extra cash while you look for a job.
Deferring Student Loan Payments During Unemployment
If you’re in school and lose your job, then it’s likely you don’t have to worry about making student loan payments. That’s because if you have federal loans, you’re eligible for in-school deferment. You have to be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for this benefit. If you’ve fallen below half-time enrollment or you’ve already graduated, you may be able to qualify for an unemployment deferment through the Department of Education by filling out a specific form. Keep in mind, however, that depending on the type of loans you have, interest may continue to accrue on your balances.
