Unemployment Benefits (UCFE)

Unemployment Benefits for Federal Employees (UCFE)

Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) provides temporary income support if you lose your federal job through no fault of your own, such as a RIF. While administered by state unemployment agencies, the UCFE program uses your federal wages and separation information to determine eligibility and benefits.

Key points about UCFE:

• Provides temporary weekly income while actively seeking work.
• Benefit amounts and duration vary significantly by state.
• Eligibility generally requires involuntary separation (RIF qualifies).
• Requires ongoing job search activities and weekly/bi-weekly certification.
• Benefits are generally subject to federal income tax (state tax varies).

Federal Employee Eligibility

General eligibility requirements usually include:

• Being unemployed through no fault of your own (RIF separation meets this).
• Meeting state requirements for wages earned or time worked during a specific "base period" (your federal service usually qualifies).
• Being able and available for work.
• Actively seeking suitable work.

Factors Affecting Eligibility:

• Retirement Benefits: Receiving federal retirement (including DSR) may reduce or eliminate unemployment benefits in some states.
• Severance Pay: Treatment varies by state; some reduce or delay benefits. (See details below)
• Refusing Work: Declining a suitable job offer can disqualify you.

Application Process

Apply through the unemployment agency of the state where you last physically worked (your duty station state), regardless of where you live now.

1. Gather Information: Collect personal details (SSN, contact info), federal employment history (agency name/address, dates, SF-50, SF-8), and pay information (W-2, pay stubs).
2. Contact State Agency: Visit your state's unemployment website or call their office to initiate a claim. Most states prefer online applications.
3. File Your Claim: Complete the application accurately, clearly indicating you were a federal employee separated due to RIF.
4. Provide Documentation: Submit copies of your SF-8 and SF-50 as requested by the state agency.
5. Register for Work: Most states require registration with their job service office.
6. Follow Instructions: Attend any required orientations and begin weekly/bi-weekly certifications.

Benefit Amounts & Duration

The amount and length of time you receive benefits depend entirely on the laws of the state where you file.

• Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA): Calculated based on your earnings during the state's defined "base period." Each state has its own formula and minimum/maximum WBA.
• Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA): The total amount you can receive in a benefit year (typically WBA multiplied by the maximum number of weeks).
• Duration: Most states provide up to 26 weeks of benefits, but some offer less, and duration can vary based on state unemployment rates. Extended benefits may be available during periods of high unemployment.
• Waiting Week: Most states require a one-week waiting period where no benefits are paid after filing.

Use the estimator below or visit your state's official website for specific calculations.

State-Specific Information

Select the state where your official duty station was located to find relevant links and basic benefit information (data is illustrative).

Interaction with Severance Pay

Receiving Severance Pay can impact your unemployment benefits, depending on state law:

• No Impact States: Severance pay does not reduce or delay unemployment benefits.
• Reduction States: Your weekly unemployment benefit may be reduced by the amount of severance pay allocated to that week.
• Delay States: You may not be eligible for unemployment benefits until the period covered by your severance pay ends.

It's crucial to report any severance pay received when applying for unemployment and to check your state's specific policy (see State Info section).

Ongoing Requirements

To continue receiving benefits, you must typically:

• Certify Weekly/Bi-Weekly: Confirm your eligibility, report earnings, and detail job search activities online or by phone.
• Actively Search for Work: Meet your state's requirements for the number and type of job contacts each week. Keep detailed records.
• Be Able & Available: Be physically able to work and available to accept suitable job offers immediately.
• Report Earnings: Report all earnings from any part-time work in the week you earn them, even if not yet paid.
• Respond Promptly: Reply quickly to any requests for information from the state agency.

Failure to meet these requirements can lead to delays, reductions, or termination of your benefits.