If you lose your job, you may want to apply for unemployment benefits to help you meet your expenses. Usually, unemployment benefits provide a certain percentage of the income from your most recent job, and they only last a certain number of weeks, varying by state. While most states provide unemployment benefits for just a short time, they can last longer when there are few jobs or difficult economic times. Read on to find out more about obtaining unemployment benefits.How to obtain unemployment benefitsTo obtain unemployment benefits, you first need to have had a job. You should bring proof of your income, whether bank statements of direct deposit or former pay stubs, so that the unemployment office can see your previous income. You may also need to bring proof of your expenses, depending on the state. Then, the unemployment office determines how much money the state can give you in unemployment benefits.How long do unemployment benefits last?Unemployment benefits last different amounts of time depending on the state you live in. Typically, states give benefits for six months, but some states extend benefits. The state expects you to actively look for a job while receiving benefits. As long as you can give proof of doing so, the state cannot cut off your benefits until you reach the maximum time limit. Obviously, your benefits do not last after you find a new job or if you stop looking. Some states you to have living expenses to qualify and cut off your benefits if you do not need to pay rent or a mortgage.Make sure you keep track of any phone calls and interviews you have so you can produce proof of your job hunting. Unemployment provides support for you if you lose your job. In these economic times, where there is a paucity of jobs, many states have extended their unemployment benefits, although most benefits still last six months to a year.