Forms of Identification

• To file for unemployment benefits, you must be able to show you are an United States citizen. You must provide either a driver's license, state non-driver ID card or Social Security card. You may also be able to use an authorized copy of your birth certificate in some states as your primary form of identification. If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must have an Alien Registration Number and identification to prove the legality of your work status. If you have dependents, locate identification for them as your benefits are based on multiple factors.
  
  

Former Employment and Income Information

• You may be required to provide basic proof of your former employment such as a pay stub or contract. Most states require the employer maintain such records and provide them when a claim is made, but in the case of a potential unemployment dispute over dates of employment and full-time status you should keep any documentation available to help your case in the situation. If you will receive a severance package or any future income other than a retirement plan, you should have documentation supporting it so your claim worker can advise you as to potential ramifications.
  
  

Payment Options

• Some states pay unemployment compensation through a debit card system that is not tied to your personal checking account. However, some states automatically depositgive the option benefits into your personal checking or savings account. If you opt for this payment method, you will need to provide the checking account number and bank routing number for your account. A bank routing number is the nine-digit number at the bottom of your check between the computerized symbols. Consult your bank if you are unaware of your checking account number.
  
  

Other Potentially Required Documentation

• Find any documentation as to your layoff situation including why you were laid off, your former employer's contact information and any layoff notices you received. Be able to document your recent work history including pay stubs from your previous employers for the last two or three years. If you have any sources of extra income such as sales on online auctions and recurring income, be able to document that as well. This income may not disqualify you from benefits, but failing to disclose them can cause you to lose benefits and be required to refund previous payments.