As the Corona Virus slams our industry further and further into oblivion, many of us will Inevitably be laid off/furloughed for months. This brings us to an EXTREMELY important set of questions that I and many others would like the answers to... So I'll field them to this awesome community to answer.
1. How much unemployment are we eligible to collect? (Different state by state?)
2. If I live in one state, am domiciled in another, and the company HQ is in yet another, which state do I file a claim under?
3. How long can I collect?
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Varies by state.

Start with your state of residence, they will tell you what to do. Some may coordinate with others states on your behalf. Otherwise they'll tell you to file in the state where you worked (domicile).

The reason you want to start with your residence is because it will be easier to go to unemployment office appointments in your home town.

HQ location is not a factor, the job site was your domicile.


Varies by state. Commonly six months, with various possible extensions (likely at a reduced rate).

In previous downturns, benefits have been extended longer than that, and it's a very safe assumption this time. I have a friend in CA who was recently on unemployment for 3+ years, when the economy was good. They kept paying her while she tried to find work in her field (marketing), didn't seem to want her to get a fast-food job.

I believe during the late 00s the unemployment benefits were extended to 22 months. I suspect something similar to happen here.