Dear Vi,

Our restaurant closes from mid-January through mid-March. Needless to say, this is a very trying time for me financially. Since this is a seasonal town, there really aren't many other server jobs in the area. Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

D.B., Springfield, MA

Dear D.B.,

Yes. The unemployment insurance act was pit into effect to help people laid off from work. You should be actively seeking work while you are collecting unemployment. This means going to interviews, sending resumes, etc. Document your actions. Unemployment is based on your earning with a cap at approximately $225 to $295. It varies from state to state. The more you claimed in the tips, the more your unemployment benefits.