Unemployment Insurance helps those unemployed by using tax revenue as a cushion so the unemployed may still collect a modest income. To collect unemployment one must not have a job, be actively looking for work in the prior 4 weeks, and are currently available for work. Actively looking for work may consist of any of the following activities: contacting an employer directly or having a job interview; contacting a public or private employment agency; sending out resumes or filling out applications; placing or answering advertisements; or checking union or professional registers.