Job loss is one of the most frightening things a person can experience. You have so many pressing needs when you find yourself out of work. And your most immediate concern will be generating some form of income as soon as possible.
Unemployment compensation can be a critical financial lifeline for those who have lost their jobs. But workers must meet certain eligibility criteria to receive unemployment benefits. For example, a worker must have been at his or her place of employment for a certain amount of time. There is also a threshold regarding the amount a worker was earning prior to becoming unemployed.
Typically, you will not be eligible for unemployment if you quit your job. However, there are some very important exceptions to this policy which pertain to having “good cause” for resigning. For example, if you were subjected to an intolerable work environment that included discrimination or harassment that your employer refused to correct, you could be eligible for benefits. Likewise, if your job endangered your health or life, you may also have a claim for compensation.
If you should lose your job through no fault of your own or had good cause to quit, it is possible that you can receive unemployment compensation. However, sometimes employers will act in ways that prevent you from getting the benefits you are rightfully owed. When this happens, you may have to put forth an effort to correct the situation.
A California employee rights attorney can go over the details of your situation and advise you on your next possible steps. If it can be demonstrated that your employer’s actions prohibited the acceptance of your legitimate claim for benefits, the attorney can act on your behalf to settle the matter and get you the compensation to which you are entitled.