ESL Podcast 596 – Applying for Unemployment Benefits

Agency Employee: Hello, state unemployment agency.

George: Hello, I’d like to apply for unemployment benefits.

Agency Employee: Okay, give me your address and I’ll send you an application.

George: How much can I get?

Agency Employee: That depends. Your benefits are calculated based on your quarterly earnings. You were laid off from your job?

George: Yes, I was. I qualify, don’t I?

Agency Employee: People who work part-time jobs or are self-employed aren’t eligible. If you worked in a full-time position, you should qualify. Fill out the application and we’ll let you know.

George: What else does the application ask for?

Agency Employee: You have to affirm that you’re able to work and that you’re actively seeking employment.

George: I’m definitely doing that. I’ve been meaning to ask you, are you hiring?

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unemployment 無業；沒有工作
quarterly 季度的；每季的
lay off 解雇
qualify 使合格；使具備資格
eligible 1.有資格的;合格的;具備條件的 2.(指認為可做夫妻的男女)合意的，合適的，中意的
ask for 要,要求
affirm 肯定屬實；申明；斷言
to be meaning to do someting => intending or planning on doing something