If you have lost your job recently, you may be wondering if you are eligible for unemployment benefits. Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for these benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why you may not qualify for unemployment benefits. Keep in mind that the following list is not exhaustive, and eligibility will vary from state to state. So, if you have any specific questions about whether or not you qualify for unemployment benefits, be sure to contact your local unemployment office.
1. You Were Fired Because of Misconduct
In some states, you will not be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. If you were fired for the reason of incompetence or willful disregard of the employer’s interest. For example, if you got drunk at work and were fired as a result, you may be ineligible to receive unemployment benefits. Similarly, if you quit your job without a valid reason, such as to accept another job or because you couldn’t stand working with your boss anymore, you may be ineligible for unemployment benefits.
2. You Quit to Get Married or Because You Got a Better Job
In some states, if you quit your job for reasons such as getting married or taking another job that pays more, you may not qualify for unemployment benefits. This is because quitting to get married, quitting to take another job, and quitting without good cause are all considered voluntary quit. If you voluntarily quit your job, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits.
3. Insubordination
Insubordination occurs when you refuse to perform your job satisfactorily. For example, if you are assigned to drive several people to the airport but decide not to because it is against your religious beliefs, you may be ineligible for unemployment benefits. Similarly, if you refuse to obey your supervisor’s order, or if you disrespect your manager in front of customers and peers, which leads to getting fired, you may be ineligible for unemployment benefits.
4. You Are Self-Employed
Self-employed individuals are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Unemployment insurance is a form of social security, and as such, it is meant to provide financial assistance to those who have been laid off from their jobs. Since self-employed individuals work for themselves, they do not need unemployment benefits.
5. You Are Not Available for Work
If you are not available for work, then most likely you will not be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. For example, if you refuse to apply for other jobs because you want to stay at home with your children, or if you do not respond to job postings by the state unemployment agency, then you may be ineligible to receive unemployment benefits.
6. You’re Attending School
You may not qualify for unemployment benefits if you are attending school full-time. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, in some states, if a person cannot find work at the current job market rate but is training for a better job in the future with a recognized program of study or an apprenticeship, he or she may collect benefits while attending school.
Receiving unemployment benefits is contingent on the state that you reside in. If you want to know if you are eligible for unemployment, don’t hesitate to contact your local unemployment office.
Resources
https://current.com/blog/pennsylvania-unemployment-benefits-guide/
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-can-disqualify-you-from-unemployment-benefits.html
https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/Find-Unemployment-Benefits.aspx