humor, priyagc and tusker your answers
Humor:
In Indiana the calculation is based on the income made in last 3 quarters. There is a formula for calculating that which you can find
on this link
http://www.in.gov/dwd/what_to_do.shtm
priyagc:
Priya, As I said above the calculation is based on your last 3 quarters income. The maximum time for which you can get benefit is 6 months.But they also have a limit on maximum amount one can get and in my case that limit would be reached in 16 weeks.
I have not explored what would happen after 16 weeks as I hope I will get a project before that
I have no idea of Food Stamps and all. Remember one thing it is not a charity at all, you must alwyas be looking for a job and if they get even a slightest of hint that you are just enjoying your benefits you could be in trouble.Moreover since my spouse is employed I don't think I will be eligible to get Food Stamps.Secondly it is directly related to your last 3 quarters income so there has to be a limit it can't go for ever.
As regrads to COBRA there is one nodal agency which controls it.
The employer sends all the info to that nodal agency and the agency sends you a form to fill out if you want to opt for COBRA or not.I have just been laid off and told my employer to wait till 2nd week of October for that form as they covered my insurance till September end and then informed the agency.
Moreover COBRA is related to health insurance.Health Insurance and unemployment insurance are two differnt things.For COBRA you have to pay out of your own pocket, employer just informs the agency that you had a health insurance till such and such date.
Tusker:
Your wife can not get unemployment benefits since she has never worked before. As I said earlier these benefits come out of the last employer's pocket so if there is no last employer then how come she would get the benefit?
In any case don't file for it till the primary applicant's GC is approved.
Hope it all helps !