Your state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program can deny your application or weekly certifications if you are no longer eligible for benefits. You have the right to appeal a denial determination if you believe the verdict is incorrect. While the appeal may be denied, a successful appeal can make you eligible for benefits.

The state UI administration will verify information with your former employer, such as earnings, employment dates, and how your employment ended. If they do not believe you qualify for unemployment benefits, then your former boss can contest your claim for unemployment benefits.

3
What Can I Do if My Unemployment Application Is Denied?

An employer might contest a claim because it causes their taxes to increase.

They may contest the claim because:

  • Of incorrect or inaccurate information, including a misspelling or typo.  
  • Of the reason why employment ended, such as if you quit or your employer fired you for disciplinary reasons.
  • You are still employed or partially employed. You are not eligible if you are still working full-time hours or you have always had part-time hours.
  • You refused work, such as if your employer offers you employment and you turned it down.

Most states have a time limit of 15 to 30 days after your denial to appeal the decision. Your appeal will include the reason why you think the denial is incorrect.

You may also include evidence of the disagreement. 

If your appeal is unsuccessful, you can appeal to a higher agency, typically called the Office of Administrative Review. Your appeal might go to a hearing if necessary.

In rare cases, you can voluntarily leave your job and still collect benefits. The government only supports these if the employer made the workplace hostile. 

Other government assistance programs are available if you are not eligible for unemployment benefits.

By Admin