ESL Podcast 596 - Applying for Unemployment Benefits
unemployment agency - a part of a government that helps people who do not have jobs, usually by giving them money and helping them look for a new job
At the unemployment agency, people without jobs can use computers to look for new jobs.
unemployment benefits - money paid by the government to people who do not have a job, usually less than the amount they made before, but hopefully enough to help them cover their basic expenses
Alfredo's unemployment benefits are less than half of what he used to make as a systems analyst.
that depends - a phrase used to show that one cannot give a direct yes/no answer, because many factors must be considered
Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?
That depends. If the weather is nice, it will be outdoors, but if it's too cold or rainy, it will be indoors.
to calculate - to compute; to add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Please calculate the monthly payments on a $175,000 mortgage with a 5.75% interest rate.
based on - with reference to; referring to; depending on
As a new employee, your salary will be based on your education, experience, and performance.
quarterly earnings - the amount of money one received for working during a three-month period
Justin got a great job in June, but his quarterly earnings were low because he was unemployed in April and May.
to be laid off - to be fired; to be told that one no longer has a job, often because the company has decided to have fewer employees
How many employees were laid off by that company during the last recession?
to qualify - to be eligible for something; to meet the basic requirements to have or do something
If you made less than $50,000 last year, you may qualify to file your taxes online for free.
part-time - related to a job in which one works less than 40 hours each week
Many mothers try to find part-time jobs that will let them work in the morning but be home in the afternoon when their children are not in school.
self-employed - working for oneself, not for another company or organization
Misty likes the flexibility of being self-employed, but she misses having paid vacations and retirement benefits.
eligible - qualified; meeting the minimum requirements to receive, have, or do something
Only U.S. citizens are eligible for this scholarship.
full-time - related to a job in which one works at least 40 hours each week
Linnea worked full-time until she was 60 years old, and then decided to reduce her hours.
to affirm - to officially state that something is true
Will you affirm your commitment to give money for this project?
actively - not passively; with strong participation and involvement
Are you actively looking for a new home, or just thinking about moving?
to seek - to look for something; to try to find something
He's seeking a challenging bookkeeping position in the entertainment industry.
meaning to - wanting to; intending to
I've been meaning to call you, but I lost your phone number.
to hire - to give someone a job; to get a new employee
If you know any companies that are hiring SQL programmers, please let me know.