Unemployment Insurance Benefit Payments, Employment & Training Administration (ETA) (original) (raw)

(You may contact the Office of Unemployment Insurance at 202-693-3029)

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. These people couldn't buy goods or services, which contributed to more layoffs.

Since then, the program has continued to help 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.