Unemployment Articles and Guides

Refusing a task and losing your temper aren't the same thing under the law. Here's how each gets judged. Discharge Quick Answer Series, Part 4 Got fired after pushing back on your boss, saying the wrong thing in the heat of the moment, or refusing a task, and now the denial letter says “insubordination”? That word covers two different situations, and states don’t treat them the same way. Before you assume your claim is dead, it’s worth understanding exactly what adjudicators

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

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

Most people assume quitting disqualifies them automatically. Here’s what the system actually looks at. If you recently left a job — and you made the decision to walk away — your first instinct might be to assume unemployment benefits are completely off the table. That instinct is wrong. And just like with discharges, it costs people thousands of dollars every year. Here’s the truth from someone who spent 30 years inside the unemployment insurance system: quitting does not aut

Most people assume being fired disqualifies them. Here’s what the system actually looks at. If you just lost your job — and your employer ended your employment — your first instinct might be to assume unemployment benefits are off the table. That instinct is wrong. And it costs people thousands of dollars every year. Here’s the truth from someone who spent 30 years inside the unemployment insurance system: being discharged does not automatically disqualify you. What matters i

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