Filing an Appeal After an Unemployment Benefits Denial

Have you recently lost your job only to find out weeks later that your claim for unemployment benefits has been denied?  There are many reasons why a denial may be issued, including improperly filed paperwork, a claim from the employer that you were rightfully and needfully terminated, or perhaps because you quit your job willingly.  No matter what the reason, if you feel that you deserve unemployment benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision.

When you are looking to appeal an unemployment benefits denial, you should start by contacting your state unemployment office.  They will likely have brochures and paperwork to help explain the process.  They will also help you know where to take your appeal so that you can schedule a hearing.  You will be given a hearing date and time and will be asked to bring along anything that can help you prove your claim, from pay stubs to photographic proof that your job was unsafe or that you could not perform due to medical reasons.

This is important to know: even if you have an appeal in place, you will need to keep filing for unemployment benefits on a regular basis.  Any weeks that were not filed in a timely manner will not be paid in the event that you win your appeal.  The court will make a decision fairly quickly, and if you have the right information for them to make a determination, you can usually receive benefits in a timely manner. 

An unemployment denial can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot appeal and still receive your benefits.