Can you lose unemployment benefits? (What that means, Reasons + More)

You can lose unemployment benefits for specific reasons, depending on your state or country. Read on to find out what those reasons are. 

Most countries have unemployment benefits that come in handy for people who have just lost their job or are unemployed for valid reasons. The unemployment befits are specific and are given within a certain period. You may risk facing disqualification from receiving unemployment benefits for specific reasons. The write-up below covers what losing unemployment benefits means, some of the reasons that may lead you to lose unemployment benefits, and more information.

What it means to lose unemployment benefits

Unemployment benefits are compensations given to individuals who have lost their job or are unemployed for a certain period. Unemployment benefits are a certain amount and given in a certain period which helps to cater to some of your basic needs. When you lose unemployment benefits, it means you cannot receive the benefits due to specific reasons, as discussed below.

How can you lose unemployment benefits?

You can lose unemployment benefits if:

Quit a job without a good reason.

If you quit your job for a valid reason, such as harassment, it will not risk you receiving unemployment benefits. However, you may be disqualified if your reasons are shallow and cannot be validated.

Decline a job referral.

You will be denied the benefits if you reject a job referral or position deemed suitable by your state. If the referred job does not fit your previous job, pay, background, and training and is unsafe; they will validate the rejection of the job referral.

Commit fraud.

You risk losing your unemployment benefits if you give out false information to receive more benefits. Also, failing to report once you get a new job will get you disqualified or even jail time.

You are not looking for work.

To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must report your weekly job search progress. If you stop looking for work or fail to report the number of times you have applied for work as required, you will be disqualified.

Involved with misconduct outside and at the workplace.

If you are involved in any misconduct at work, depending on which state or country you come from, it will get you disqualified. Some misbehavior such as theft, fraud, and embezzling of funds will automatically disqualify you.

You are not able to work.

You could be unable to work because you are on maternity leave, temporarily disabled, incarcerated, or for other reasons; you risk losing your unemployment benefits.

Conclusion

Unemployment benefits are undoubtedly essential to persons who have lost or are unemployed. As discussed, you may risk losing your unemployment benefits if you quit a job without a good reason, decline a job referral, commit fraud, are not looking for work, are involved with misconduct outside and at the workplace, and are unable to work. If you plan on retaining your unemployment benefits; therefore, you should be keen on how you conduct yourself.

FAQs

Can I lose unemployment benefits if I quit my job?

Yes, you may lose unemployment benefits if you quit your job without valid reasons.