Will I be eligible for unemployment?

[Anonymous]

I am teaching at a university under a nine month teaching fellowship.

My earnings are described as a "stipend" on my pay slip. It is not science related nor grant funded but I believe instead entirely funded by the university. I don't take classes or earn a degree through this program.

My pay slip lists employee tax witholdings as: oasdi, Medicare, state, and federal. I was given a W2 for my taxes.

The fellowship will not be renewed.

Insight would be much appreciated.

(Was told this belonged in the career forum rather than off topic so am moving.)

[Anonymous]

There are a few issues here.

The first issue that affects whether you are entitled to unemployment is the reason you leave your employment. You have to leave through no fault of your own. Here, you are essentially being "laid off" so that threshold appears to be satisfied.

The second issue is how long you worked for your employer and you state nine months. I don't know how long the threshhold is in your state. Some places it's six months.

The third issue is whether your University pays into state unemployment and thus whether you are eligible. I can't tell -- you say "state" but it's unclear whether that's state taxes or also includes unemployment.

The fourth issue is whether fellows/interns/seasonal employees are eligible for unemployment under your state's laws.

Can you tell us what state you are in?

[Anonymous]

W2 employee helps your claim for unemployment. Many educators under renewable contracts aren't eligible to collect during the summer, etc. You probably will be able to collect when your contract ends.

[Anonymous]

Thanks - any others?

[Anonymous]

Call your university's HR. They should be able to advise you. Since you are leaving due to a funding issue you may be eligible, but your university will have to agree when the unemployment office contacts them.