Unemployment Articles and Guides

You hit submit. And now — nothing. No check, no clear yes or no. Just a status that says your claim is "under review" or "pending adjudication." If you've never dealt with unemployment before, that word probably means nothing to you. That's the problem — because whether you get paid, how fast, and what happens if something on your claim raises a question all comes down to a process almost nobody explains. Pending adjudication is not a denial. It means something came up — an

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.

Your boss calls it a "violent outburst." You call it losing your temper once. States draw a real line between the two — and it's not the one your termination letter suggests. Welcome to Part 7 of our Discharge Series, where we break down how state unemployment agencies actually evaluate common firing reasons. If a heated argument or physical dispute ended with HR checking the “workplace violence” box, don’t assume your claim is dead on arrival. What company policy calls “viol

Why the reason behind your last absence can matter more than how many you had. This is Part 1 of our Discharge Series. Getting fired doesn’t automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits — it depends on the specific reason, and the details matter more than most people realize. Each article in this series takes one common firing reason and breaks down what states actually look at when they decide your claim. You missed too many days, or showed up late one too many ti

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