Unemployment Insurance Resources

1. What is Unemployment Insurance?

Unemployment Insurance (UI) is an employer-paid program that provides partial income replacement when you become unemployed or have your hours reduced, like the situation presented with the Coronavirus pandemic.

2. Is there a waiting period?

In most states a one-week waiting period is expected, however, some states have chosen to waive that waiting period during the Coronavirus emergency. Refer to the Unemployment Insurance Resource Chart to see if your state has a waiting period.

3. How long does unemployment last?

Each state determines how long unemployment benefits are paid for individuals who have approved claims. Please refer to your state’s unemployment site to determine the maximum number of weeks in that state and how they are determining any COVID-related extensions.

4. What benefits are available under the CARES Act and how much money can I expect to receive each week?

Unemployment payments will vary by state. If your unemployment claim is approved, your state will take your work and pay history into consideration to determine your payment. Please refer to your state’s unemployment website for full details. You can access your state’s website from the Unemployment Insurance Resource Chart at the bottom.

The new CARES Act provides additional funding and significant flexibility for states to amend their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits to additional people under multiple scenarios related to COVID-19 through one of three new programs. Below is a brief overview, your state’s unemployment site is your best resource.

  1. The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program

  2. The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program

  3. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (FPUA)

IMPORTANT: Each individual state MUST agree to certain actions in order to get the funding for the CARES Act programs for unemployment-related claims. It is up to each state to determine if they will apply for the federal funding and meet the federal guidelines. To see if your state is pursuing these avenues, please check your state's unemployment website on the Unemployment Insurance Resource Chart. You can also refer to the Dept. of Labor Unemployment site for additional information and resources that may be available.

NOTE: Individuals who are receiving sick leave or another paid leave are not eligible until those Leaves are exhausted or those who are eligible to work remotely (telework).

State of Indiana Quick reference guide for CARES Act specifically for Indiana residents.

5. What information is needed to file a claim?

All states will require general demographic information to file for unemployment. Failure to provide complete information to your state’s Unemployment Office could cause a delay in your state’s ability to process your claim as quickly as possible. Most states allow employees to open a claim online by visiting their website or by calling their office. Please refer to the Unemployment Insurance Resource Chart for website and phone numbers to your state’s office.

To expedite your claim, please prepare the following information before you call or access your state's website:

    • Your full legal name

    • Your address

    • Phone Number

    • Social Security Number

    • Name of employer (regardless of brand, input “The Finish Line, Inc.”)

    • Employer address: "3308 N. Mitthoeffer Rd.Indianapolis, IN 46235"

    • Date of Hire (your first day as an employee)

    • Your job title

    • Your pay rate

    • Last day you technically worked a shift

    • Please note: Your state may require additional information, please refer to your state’s unemployment website for full details.

6. I'm a salaried employee and my pay has been reduced, can I apply for unemployment?

As it relates to unemployment generally, those benefits are state-specific and determined by the various requirements of those jurisdictions. There likely isn't a single answer that covers claims in all states. However, as a general matter, partial unemployment benefits may be available in many states if employees face a reduction in hours. Typically, partial benefits may not be available for employees who continue to work full-time. Nonetheless, even in states where that is the case, the development of events related to COVID-19 has prompted some states to loosen or expand their terms. We encourage employees to explore all available benefits available within their respective states, including unemployment, keeping in mind the states determine eligibility.

7. I’m being temporarily reclassified from exempt (salaried) to non-exempt (hourly) and the number of hours I can work each week is being reduced, does this make me eligible for unemployment?

Unemployment eligibility varies by state and is intended to provide partial income replacement when you become unemployed, fully or partially furloughed or have your hours reduced due to no fault of your own. Please refer to your state’s unemployment website for full details on how your state determines eligibility. You can access your state’s website from the Unemployment Insurance Resource Chart.

8. What resources are available besides unemployment that will help with either a reduction in hours or a reduction in salary?

During these unprecedented times, we've committed to providing our employees with as many resources as possible. We encourage all employees to pursue whatever relief may be available to them. While all of our employees continue to remain active and employed, we understand the reduction of hours may be cause for secondary employment.

Below are a few resources that you may find helpful in this pursuit.

  • The US Dept. of Labor American Job Center is a great site to explore for companies hiring within your state and local area.

  • Your state unemployment office will likely also have a place to review companies who are hiring in your local area.

Unemployment Insurance Resource Chart