Lost your job? Here’s what you need to know

CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and SARAH SKIDMORE SELL Associated Press Writers WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 33.5 million Americans have lost their jobs and applied for unemployment benefits in the past 7 weeks — a stunning record high that reflects the near-complete shutdown of the U.S. economy. On Friday, the government said the U.S. unemployment rate hit 14.7% in April, the highest rate since the Great Depression. As recently as February, the unemployment rate was just 3.5%, a 50-year low. For those who have lost jobs, it's a frightening time. Bills need to be paid. Do they qualify for unemployment benefits? How fast will the money arrive? Here are some questions and answers: HOW CAN I GET UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS? Workers who have lost their jobs or income through no fault of their own sho