FILING FOR BENEFITS NEED NOT BE SCARY

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 12, 1993                   TAG: 9303120277
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: A-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: GEORGE KEGLEY
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
FILING FOR BENEFITS NEED NOT BE SCARY
To help the increasing numbers of people who have been laid off, the Virginia Employment Commission has prepared a description of the process for filing for unemployment benefits.
Many people who have lost a job come to the VEC office with apprehension because "they have no idea where they are going," said Bruce Johannessen, manager of the agency's unemployment insurance office in Roanoke. "They are better able to cope if they understand" the program, he said.
Many people see unemployment benefits as a welfare-type program, Johannessen said, "but it's a worker program. You earn the right to receive benefits."
Last week, President Clinton signed emergency legislation adding up to 20 weeks of jobless benefits. This extends the maximum payment period to 46 weeks, depending on earnings. Benefits range from $65 to $208 a week.
A worker who loses a job may apply for benefits at the nearest VEC unemployment insurance office. The applicant must bring proof of a Social Security number, such as a driver's license, and the name and address of his most recent employer.
The agency provides information on the applicant's rights and responsibilities and the process. After the application is filed, the VEC has a one-week waiting period before any benefits are paid.
During each week that benefits are claimed, the applicant must answer whether he or she is able to work, available for a job and actively seeking work. The employers contacted must be listed.
If the applicant meets eligibility requirements, the VEC said the first check will come in seven to 10 days after the claim form is returned.
Workers who lose their jobs or whose hours or wages are cut because of increased imports may be eligible for benefits under the Trade Act of 1974. Application forms, available at VEC offices, must be filed with the U.S. Labor Department.
Trade Act benefits include training, job search and relocation allowances when employment is found beyond normal commuting distance.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB