Denial of Benefits and Appeals

Once you file for unemployment benefits, your state's unemployment insurance agency will review the information you provide, interview your former employer, and perhaps interview you. Based on this information, the agency will decide whether you are eligible for benefits. If it finds you eligible, you will start filing weekly claims -- and receiving your checks -- in a couple of weeks. If not, however, your claim will be denied. 

The information in this section explains common reasons why unemployment claims are denied, when it makes sense to file an appeal, how to appeal a denial of benefits, and situations in which you should consider hiring a lawyer for help.