Q. I collect unemployment. Do I have to pay zakat?

A. We are sure that Muslims collect unemployment due to legitimate circumstances. There is a criterion of nisab that must be met. Once this criteria is fulfilled, as well as other conditions, you would qualify to give your zakat to those that are most needy. Please see the following: http://islaminaction.wordpress.com/?s=nisab. It would clarify matters for you, Insha-Allah.

May Allah the Greatest make matters easy for all, Ameen.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.