What are the eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits?

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Louisiana, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria. First, they must have worked in Louisiana and earned a minimum amount of wages during a specific base period. Secondly, claimants must have become unemployed through no fault of their own, meaning they were laid off due to lack of work or were fired for reasons other than misconduct. Additionally, applicants must be physically able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and willing to accept suitable job offers. They must also register with the Louisiana Workforce Commission's HiRE (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) system and fulfill all reporting requirements. If someone is denied regular unemployment benefits, they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or other federal programs, subject to the requirements of those programs.