Unemployment Benefits on OPT?

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Admin]

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Hi,I am in 2nd year STEM OPT Extension. I have worked for around 1.5 year now. Now I have lost my job. Can I claim unemployment benefits with OPT EAD?

This was posted on https://www.facebook.com/desiopt1 on 4th Dec 2013

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

Yes if yu still have valid work permit as in Tx I don't know about other states.

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

Check with u r state .. some states
allow it .. remember you can have max of 90 days unemployment In ur opt .. and it is.better not to use it unemployment benifits for ethical reasons..

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

^I agree. Better not to squeeze benefits, instead focus on job hunt.

[DesiOPT-FaceBook-Fan]

No you cannot. if you are aware working on OPT/Ext we do not pay SS and Medicare taxes. Therefore, we are not eligible for unemployment benefits when in OPT..