Thursday brought news that the unemployment rate in this country is even worse than we thought – jobless claims for last week hit 573,000. There are now 4.4 million people claiming unemployment benefits, the highest number in 26 years.

The benefits are yours. Take them! Benefits carry a stigma that they amount to welfare and we should be ashamed of receiving them, but that’s simply not true. When you draw a paycheck, you and your employer pay into the system for precisely times like these. So if you’re laid off through no fault of your own, you’re owed those benefits.

Unemployment benefits vary by state. Massachusetts offers the highest maximum weekly benefits at $900, followed by Rhode Island at $641 (pre-tax). You can check your state’s benefits plan by clicking here.

It’s easier to apply for unemployment benefits than you think. You can apply after one week at least and get paid within two weeks in most states – and you can do it online or over the phone. And now, instead of waiting for a check, you receive a debit card from the state with the amount entitled to you programmed onto it. You can receive a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits and you may file for up to a 13 week extension if your state is in trouble.

Of course, you have to know the restrictions and regulations. You must have left your job through no fault of your own, which can be a gray area for many. Also, severance equals income so you must wait until any severance you’re being paid runs out. Finally, prepare to be taxed on your benefits as income.

Check the Department of Labor web site for more information about what you may be eligible for if you’ve lost your job.