Denied by Unemployment

When I lived in California I was denied unemployment and went through the hearing process. It was horrible, my former employer didn't show up but the judge was a jerk (like he worked for them even though my wages paid for his job) and they ended up denying me again. I gave up but my husband didn't and wrote a dispute letter on my behalf and we ended up winning after that. I hope it's not that humiliating for you. I was on a long term temporary assignment with Officeteam/Robert Half International and was accused of fraudulent timesheets (long story) and I was told that I wasn't fired but they had no placements for me and when I applied for unemployment they claimed I was fired for misconduct...just thinking about it bothers me and it happened 7 years ago. Basically the hearing consists of a tape recorder, you, your former employer (if they choose to attend) and a judge...if the former employer doesn't attend the judge goes off the information the former employer provides. Honestly, you don't know what you are going to encounter until you sit down with the judge because I could tell right away that the judge was not happy in his job but some of the other judges I appeared much happier than him. It's less than an hour out of your whole life and even if it doesn't go well, you can still dispute it or let it go. My case might have been a more extreme case but I did win it with the support of my husband. Yours could be much easier. I wish you the best.

Why were you laid off? Your bio says you are working or was that where you were laid off from? If you are still self employed while laid off from an outside company, you would be denied.

Unemployment is always paid by the employer. The majority of employers automatically deny the claim in hopes the former employee won't fight it, therefore saving themselves the $$. then they hope the former employee won't show at the hearing so they don't have to pay.

If a company let you go and you have no other income then get ready to fight. Bring any documentation you have supporting your claim, no matter how little it may seem. Performance reviews, employee handbook, your termination paperwork. The more you are prepared, the better you will be.

Hearings are usually in front of a judge, stenographer, swearing under oath, etc. If the other party does not show, then your claim most likely will be accepted.

Good luck!

Depends, on the circumstances of your lay-off you may need to explain these. have any documentation with you and research your unemployment laws. If you claimed wages from working at home, they will want an explanation of these wages. You may recieve benefits but only the difference between what you are making and what un employment would have payed you

Hi P.:
The reason they denied your claim,is because your employed.If you told them you are working part time out of your home,they consider that employment.They will tell you,that you can go to the state and request welfare and food stamps to suppliment your income,but as long as you have some source of income,they will deny you.I will private message you with a little more info P.. I know times are very hard right now,and wish you only the best.