Services > Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long will he/she collect unemployment benefits on this claim?

A.The maximum amount of weeks a claimant can collect benefits during
the benefit year is 26 weeks.

Q.This person was laid off at the end the current academic term, but his checks were pro-rated throughout the summer. Why are we being charged for his unemployment benefits throughout the summer when he is already receiving a check from us?

A.These payments are not considered a deductible income because they were earned during the previous term. The only income that is deductible are those which were earned during the week claimed.

Q. Should a person be eligible for unemployment benefits if they quit?

A.There a extenuating circumstances in which a person can quit and still be eligible for benefits. There are certain conditions in the workplace which are deemed unsuitable for a person to continue working; such as, safety conditions, harassment, unbearable working conditions, requirement to perform illegal or immoral acts, or relocation/transfer of business requiring a substantial increase in travel.

Q. She gave a two-week's resignation notice but we didn't allow her to work it out since she was quitting. Why is she allowed to collect benefits?

A.If an employee is not allowed to work up to the last day in which they were willing to work, the bureau deems this as a termination. However, if the employer pays the person their regular wages or salary up to the day in which the employee was willing to work, then the separation will then be deemed a voluntary quit.

Q.He is a part-time employee and works various hours as needed. Why is his claim allowed?

A.A part-time employee who was not hired to work the same hours each week will protect an employer from liability in an unemployment claim. Keep in mind that even if a part time employee's claim is allowed, there will be no impact on an employer's account unless actual benefits are paid to the claimant.

Q.Why do we have to attend an unemployment hearing? Isn't that why we pay Hunter?

A.At unemployment hearings, it is extremely important for the employer's first hand witnesses to attend and testify. Hunter Consulting can represent employers at hearings, but cannot testify on behalf of the employer. Providing proper witnesses for hearings can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Q. She has had numerous attendance violations and was warned verbally several times about her attendance. The last time she called in, she said she was sick and we didn't believe her, so we discharged her. Why is she allowed to collect benefits?

A. Even if a person has had numerous attendance violations in the past, a claim can be allowed if the last absence was for a legitimate illness or reason that can be substantiated with a doctor's statement or other documentation. The bureau will consider the final incident when they make a decision. When there are excessive attendance problems, ask for documentation. If none is provided, then take action.

Q. Is a person who was discharged for poor work performance automatically eligible to receive benefits?

A. No. The employer has to prove that the person was guilty of neglecting job duties after being previously warned, in writing, and was told by his/her supervisor that their job was in jeopardy. The employer holds the burden of proof that the employee was guilty of intentional misconduct and that this was not just a bad hiring decision.