An economic downturn often results in an unfortunate consequence: unemployment.

Most workers who get laid off, however, can receive some temporary financial assistance through unemployment insurance benefits.

A worker must meet certain requirements to collect unemployment benefits.

In addition, benefit rates can vary from state to state. To learn how unemployment benefits work, you might pay a visit to one of several Web sites that provide useful information on the topic:

• AARP

www.aarp.org/money/work/articles/unemploymentbenefits.html

Details several aspects of unemployment insurance benefits.

• Careeronestop

www.servicelocator.org/OWSLinks.asp

Provides interactive U.S. map with links to state unemployment departments.

• Economic Policy Institute

www.epi.org/content.cfm/datazone(underscore)uicalc(underscore)index

Features a "Weekly Benefits Amount" calculator that helps a user get a general idea about the amount of a weekly unemployment benefit.

• Unemployment Law Project

www.unemploymentlawproject.org/ulp(underscore)self(underscore)help(unde rscore)resources.html

Offers advice in Q&A form for individuals who represent themselves in a benefits appeal.

• U.S. Department of Labor

workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/uifactsheet.asp

Covers unemployment basics, including purpose, eligibility and filing a claim.