Losing a job is a stressful event and can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Immediate concerns can create anxiety, such as how to make up for lost income in the time you need to find a new job.
Unemployment compensation is a benefit that is available to workers in Pennsylvania who have lost their job. However, the process of applying for this compensation and accessing it is not always straightforward and sometimes requires the assistance of a skilled employment law attorney. Here is some basic information to help you understand how you can get unemployment compensation in Pennsylvania:
Factors surrounding your job loss
There is a lot of confusion surrounding who is eligible to receive unemployment compensation and under what circumstances. Every case is different, and the specific factors regarding your job loss will come into play when determining whether you can receive benefits. For example, being fired or voluntarily quitting your job are not necessarily factors that automatically bar you from receiving unemployment compensation. However, in cases with complex factors, it is best to consult with an employment law attorney to get a better understanding of how your case is structured.
Employers who protest benefits
Although you may be entitled to benefits, a complication can arise if your employer decides to protest your application for benefits. In this case, you may find that the professional assistance of a lawyer is indispensable. Employers sometimes try to intimidate their employees into not filing for unemployment benefits because the employer has his or her own motivations for avoiding the benefits claim. However, as an employee, you have rights under Pennsylvania state law, and you should seek to assert those rights in whatever way you can without allowing your employee to convince you otherwise.
The process of filing for unemployment compensation is often fraught with complicated paperwork and hassles that an employment law attorney can help you navigate. During the stressful time of job loss, consulting with an attorney can be one of the best decisions you make.
