Unemployment Insurance

The Insurance Programs provide unemployment benefits to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. In addition to helping workers and their families, the Unemployment Insurance programs play a key role in helping businesses, communities, and the nation's economy. It was created in 1935 in response to the Great Depression, when millions of people lost jobs, which contributed to more layoffs. Now, as then, these program helps cushion the impact of economic downturns and bring economic stability to communities, states, and the nation by providing temporary income support for laid off workers.