The WORD of the day is NOT retroactive

I ventured over to my local Department of Labor Office this morning to file an unemployment claim. I was told I could do this because I have not worked since December 19, 2007. I do officially return to work on Sunday morning.

On the web-site for the DOL, it states that are claims are effective the date filed, and not RETROACTIVE to the last date of work performed. That frightened me because I did not receive my paperwork from the Employer until January 2. I tried to file that day, but due to the large amount of people filing unemployment claims that day, I was unable to be seen. So, I headed over this morning..... I feared because I was filing on the 4th, that my claim would only be processed for any work missed after this date, which would be NONE...

Did I miss interpret the word RETROACTIVE, or are they simply mis-using it?

My claim was filed and I am to receive the maximum benefit paid for up to 26 weeks.. But luckily for me, the lay-off was temporary. I could not live on this amount for even one one month, but any extra income is better than none.

I have never had to file for unemployment compensation before, and do not look forward to ever having to file again. That place is very depressing. The people I encountered in the waiting room were all full of negativity which is something I try to avoid at all costs. A lot of them had simply had misfortune fall into their path, but there were several of the stereotypical lot that were there just to abuse the system. Those people infuriate me!!

Another thing that irritates me is the lies that were being passed around the room from those seeking confirmation, sympathy and/or respect. For example, one young man claimed he was receiving a large amount on a weekly basis. This amount exceeded the maximum benefit paid by several hundred dollars. He had everyone else in the waiting area all fired up, because they were not qualified to receive such a large compensation check... He volunteered his previous place of employment, and stated the reason for his lay-off....

Can you guess where he worked? The Aluminum Co... MY ALUMINUM CO. While there has been a substantial down-sizing during the past year, I happen to know for a fact that he was not one of the people laid off.

How do I know this? Because there is a picture of HIM posted at the security office . This posted notice is to inform the guards that he is not allowed on the premises, and the Authorities are to be called if he appears on the property. Seems he had an incident with his supervisor and was escorted off the property.

Therefore, he could not possibly be drawing unemployment through the Aluminum Co. Much less, an amount exceeding the maximum benefit paid. I just kept my mouth shut and continued with my people watching..... But I can't help but be irritated by people like this.. I mean really, what is the point..