When a member of the work force is fired, laid off, or otherwise forced to quit his job, he must file for unemployment. While states differ in their specific policies, filing for unemployment usually takes place in three steps: first, the person must check to see if he/she is eligible for unemployment benefits. Second, the person must attain a reasonable understanding of the unemployment insurance program, and be able to estimate their unemployment benefits. Third, the person must fill out the appropriate forms, in accordance with applicable local and state laws. Unemployment benefits are not intended to be a full source of income. Rather, the intent is to help the unemployed person to cover their most basic financial obligations until they are able to attain a new job.