Users' questions 

What happens to my unemployment benefits if I was fired from my job?

Leia Doyle

What happens to my unemployment benefits if I was fired from my job?

If you entered “Fired” or “Discharged” as the reason for your separation, or if either reason was reported by your employer as the reason for your separation, you must have a fact finding interview with a deputy to determine if you are qualified for benefits. You will receive notice of the date and time the deputy will contact you. If you were discharged or fired, the burden is on the employer to show that you were released because of misconduct in connection with work.

Do I qualify for the additional $300 in COVID-19 unemployment benefits?

The additional $300/week in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is available to claimants receiving unemployment benefits under the state or federal regular unemployment compensation programs (UCFE, UCX, PEUC, PUA, EB, STC, TRA, DUA, and SEA). The funds are available for any weeks of unemployment beginning after Dec. 26, 2020, and ending on or before March 14, 2021. You don’t need to apply separately to receive this supplemental amount.

How much do I need to have earned to qualify for unemployment benefuts?

To qualify for benefits, an individual must have earned at least a total of $3,000 in two quarters in the base period.

Am I eligible for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic?

See full answerEach state sets its own unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines, but you usually qualify if you:

  • Are unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means you have to have separated from your last job due to a lack of available work.
  • Meet work and wage requirements. You must meet your state’s requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a “base period.” (In most states, this is usually the first four out of the last five completed calendar quarters before the time that your claim is filed.)
  • Meet any additional state requirements. Find details of your own state’s program.