Have you recently found yourself without a job? If you used to work in the state of Mississippi, but have been laid off, you will need to know how to file for unemployment in Mississippi.

No one likes to get laid off from work, but you may be able to count on the government to help make up for some of your lost income. While you won't be entitled to as much income as you earned from your past job, unemployment benefits can help provide money to help you pay your bills and keep you on your feet. To qualify, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own, be willing to look for a job, and be able and available to work. You also must have worked in the state of Mississippi.

In order to apply, you will need to provide the following information:

1. Mailing address and contact number
2. Social security number
3. Alien registration number, if applicable
4. Name and contact information (phone and address) of your employer(s) for the past 18 months
5. Dates of work
6. Reason for job loss

You can apply right over the internet at the Mississippi Department of Employment Security's website, www.mdes.ms.gov. Before filling out your application, be sure that you have all of the required information listed in step 1. Your application will not be processed without it.

• If you prefer, you can also file by telephone by calling 1-888-844-3577. If you wish to speak with a representative in person, you can also apply by visiting a Win job center.

Once accepted, you will need to keep the government up to date on your job search. This means you will need to file a claim every week in order to keep your money coming. This is so that you can keep them updated with the latest information, and tell them if you have been offered a job, earned any income, and are available to accept work that may be offered to you. Details will be provided along with your notification of acceptance.