Unemployment Benefits vs. Welfare?

[CloakedClock]

Can someone give me a breakdown (as detailed as possible) of how unemployment benefits and welfare differ? The extent of what I know is that unemployment hinges on not having or losing a job, whereas welfare is separate from employment entirely. I also don't understand to what extent the government is involved in unemployment benefits.

I've searched high and low on the internet, but all I can find are poorly-sourced Yahoo Answers discussions, lmao. Any help would be appreciated!

Also, if you want to just pass along some links but don't feel like answering, that's cool too.

[NaturalHigh]

1. I don't know a lot about unemployment benefits...

but I believe there is some sort of insurance that employers are required to pay into and that is administered or overseen by the federal government. Again, don't take my answer for granted because I'm really not sure.

[leftstreet]

2. If you lose your job you draw unemployment. If you're a Wall Street bank you get welfare n/t

[CloakedClock]

3. Well-put!

...If I were a Dem, I'd use that line in the '12 elections.

[xmas74]

4. TANF or welfare

comes from completely different source, compared to unemployment insurance. Welfare is usually gained through a social services department and is usually for families, while unemployment is geared more towards those who've lost their employment.

[shraby]

5. Welfare is means tested whereas unemployment benefits

are not..they are time limited though.

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Google the name of your state, plus 'unemployment benefits'

and that will explain the rules to you, you can apply easily. Your benefit is calculated according to earnings in the 4 quarter preceding your becoming unemployed, as I recall. But that's CA, and it is different in each state. Look it up and act accordingly.
The basic difference is that Unemployment Benefits are paid for by employer and employee, and available to those who have paid in who become unemployed. It is like insurance. Welfare benefits are need based, means tested, and not derived from earnings and employment.

[CloakedClock]

7. So to be clear...

...No "taxpayer dollars" go into it at all; it is paid into by employees and employers, and government simply administers it?

[Cool Logic]

8. Tax dollars become involved if/when the fedgov enacts legislation to extend them beyond their limits

[DURHAM D]

9. The funds sent by the employer to the IRS are entirely employer contributions.

Employees don't contribute. In all but a couple of states the funds sent to the state fund are employer contributions only.