 TITLE: How to Make Money Without a Job CONTENT: Apply for Unemployment\n----------------------\nIf you've lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Each state operates its own system, so eligibility requirements and benefits may vary depending on your location. Unemployment insurance typically won't cover you if you've quit your job, been fired, are an independent contractor or haven't worked at a job long enough to qualify.\nUnemployment benefits are meant to provide temporary support while you are between jobs. To that end, benefits don't last forever. In many states, unemployment benefits run out after 26 weeks; in some states, they can last as little as 12 weeks. During extraordinary times, the federal government may supplement and extend unemployment benefits, as they have done during the COVID-19 pandemic.\nAlthough unemployment benefits aren't a permanent substitute for gainful employment, they can be a critical lifeline for anyone who's between jobs. If you're also trying to make sure your credit stays in great shape, rest assured that collecting unemployment benefits doesn't affect your credit in any way. Unemployment benefit payments do not appear on your credit report and have no bearing on your credit score. END