Unemployment Benefits

Sometimes, employers act less than ethically, firing employees without just cause. As long as you are not fired for misconduct, you are likely entitled to unemployment benefits. Because a successful unemployment benefits claim may cause employers to pay higher insurance premiums, your former employer may be less than willing to pay out your claims.

If you’re having a hard time getting the unemployment benefits you deserve, contact the Austin employment attorneys of The Melton Law Firm, by calling (512) 330-0017.

Determining Qualification for Unemployment

To determine if you qualify for unemployment benefits, you need to determine the circumstances under which you were fired. The general rule is whether or not you were fired through fault of your own – meaning misconduct. If you are fired for drug or alcohol use on the job, theft of company property, failure to appear at work, or violation of a written company policy, you have been fired for just cause. If not, you may have a case for unemployment benefits.

Unemployment insurance benefit claims can be made at the Unemployment Office in person, by phone, or online. You will have to fill out forms detailing your employment history and the circumstances surrounding your termination. Your former employer will have to fill out forms with similar information. If the appeal process goes on long enough, you may have to go to court against your employer, where a judge will preside over the appeal. It is structured similar to a trial, and having an employment attorney on your side may be helpful.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been wrongfully denied unemployment benefits, contact the Austin employment lawyers of The Melton Law Firm, by calling (512) 330-0017.