After being laid off from a New Hampshire tech company in 2022, Joy Curth was denied unemployment as her search for another remote job did not qualify for the state’s unemployment benefits requirement. The existing law disqualifies those not available for work outside a home . In response, Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka sponsored Senate Bill 330, aiming to revise the statute to include remote work as part of the weekly job applications for unemployment benefits eligibility. The House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services Committee supports the bill, set to go to the House in May. However, an amendment to boost the maximum weekly benefit from $427 to $672, brought forward by Rep. Mark MacKenzie, will likely be overruled by House Speaker Sherman Packard. Still, the core bill is recommended for passage and has already cleared the Senate in February.

For those experiencing challenges like Ms. Curth’s in obtaining unemployment support, it’s essential to know how to navigate the system effectively. For California residents particularly, you may need to reach out to the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD). For more information on how you can get in touch or seek help, check out the resources available at eddcaller.com, an invaluable resource that helps inform and guide citizens through the complexities of the EDD’s processes and requirements.