I'm a full-time temp employee working for a large, fast and growing company. I requested disability forms for maternity leave from HR Dept. and they have advised me that I am not eligible because I'm a temp. If I'm not eligible for STD, can I file for unemployment? Please advise me of my options.
Thank you.

Generally speaking, you are only eligible for unemployment benefits if you are physically able to, and are actively seeking, employment.

Do you work through an agency?

The contract employer is correct, they do not handle any benefits for you. Your agency should be handling that.

As far as UI, most states do not allow benefits unless you are able and available for work.
If you have been laid off, apply.

Thanks for the quick responses! I do not come from an employment agency. I found this position on my own and they hired me as a temp. I have been working here since 02/05 - present. So, I can apply for unemployment benefits! Any suggestions??

Thanks again for all your help.

You are free to apply for unemployment benefits. However, unless you are able to work and actively looking for work, it is unlikely that you will qualify. You don't get unemployment benefits when you are on medical or maternity leave.

If you work for the company directly and are not through an agency I don't understand you being "temp". On top of that, you have been there FT for over a year?!

That aside... as stated, you must be available and able to work for UI to be paid.

If your company has 50 or more ee's (within 75 mi) then you should go out on fmla (which is unpaid).

Go ahead and apply for the UI benefits, the worst that can happen is they deny the claim.