Alva Review-Courier -

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 answe...