Unemployment Articles and Guides

Your employer let you go because you got sick, got hurt, or got pregnant. That’s not something you did wrong — but does it still count as misconduct?

Fired over something you posted on your own time? Your boss calls it misconduct. The state may see it differently.

Fired For Stealing? An Accusation Isn't Proof - And Neither Is a Firing If you were fired for stealing, the accusation alone doesn't decide your unemployment claim. States look at what the employer can actually prove. I remember a case like this from my years in the system: a warehouse employee was fired for "theft" after a supervisor found a company-owned tool in his truck at the end of a shift. No camera footage, no admission, no inventory record showing it missing before t

What that letter from the state actually means, why your last paycheck doesn't count, and what to do if the number looks wrong. That letter from the state arrives after you file for unemployment: your “monetary determination.” It shows a benefit amount that feels either like a lifeline or a letdown. But what does it actually mean? Why does it often ignore your most recent paycheck? And what should you do if the number looks off? When you file for unemployment, you’ll receive

You filed your claim. You certified for your first week. You watched the payment portal. And then... nothing. Before you panic and call the agency, there’s something you need to know — something that’s almost certainly explained in your paperwork, but easy to miss when you’re stressed and watching for a deposit. That first week probably wasn’t supposed to pay. It’s called the waiting week, and it’s built into the system on purpose. What the waiting week is The waiting week is

Navigating the unemployment claims process can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the system. Whether you have recently lost your job or are facing a temporary layoff, understanding how to file a claim effectively is crucial. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Along the way, it provides practical tips and insider insights from inside the unemployment system. Important: Unemployment rules v

Losing your job is stressful enough without having to navigate a system that feels like it was designed to confuse you. I spent over 20 years working inside state unemployment agencies — and another decade helping states modernize their systems. I've seen what works, what trips people up, and what the agency is actually looking for when they review your claim. This guide is my attempt to cut through the noise and give you a straight-up, honest explanation of how unemployment

When you file for unemployment insurance, you're not just submitting a form and hoping for the best. You're entering a legal process with real rights and protections — and knowing them can make the difference between receiving the benefits you've earned and walking away empty-handed. A person examining unemployment insurance paperwork for clarity and understanding. After more than 30 years working in unemployment insurance, first on the state agency side and now in system mod