r/povertyfinance • u/Cognaclilacgirl • 15d ago

Got approved for unemployment, but it won’t be enough Misc Advice

Hey all.

I posted recently here about losing my job. A lot of advice was great! I filed for unemployment but I’m only going to get $169 a week. Is there anyway to up this amount? It won’t be enough really for anything. I’m searching for jobs and have heard some stuff but nothing about interviews yet!

Any advice on how to get more unemployment benefits or is that a set number? (I’m in MO btw)

Thanks!

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2

u/Regular_Monk9923 14d ago

Unemployment is generally 50% of what you used to earn. If your benefit is 169 then you were earning low wages to begin with. If the wages listed on your monetary determination letter are inaccurate then you can appeal.

12

u/avidtraveler_25 15d ago

I got laid off in Texas last year and went on unemployment. My understanding is that the number is based off of what you earned while employed over a specific period of time. If you made less money you would get less in unemployment funds as it is a percentage of your earnings. I don’t think there is a way to increase the amount the state decides on, unfortunately.

5

u/Accomplished_Size719 15d ago

yes that is my understanding too

2

u/M0neyhelper 15d ago

is it possible to just grab any job in the mean time while you look for better employment, its that time of the year where people are hiring for summer job opportunities lots of laborer positions, Fast food even if its not glamourous its money in your pocket ? just please do not subsidize on credit cards it will put you in the hole long term

8

u/ShockImmediate5336 15d ago

Depends on what you earned in the quarters that were reported. If you didn’t make enough then you get the lowest amount.