Facing unemployment is stressful for several reasons. The sudden loss of income can place a significant burden on you and your family, especially in an economy where many families do not have emergency funds ready for such situations. Being denied unemployment benefits can only make things worse, both financially and emotionally.
Many workers face delays or denials of benefits, even if they qualify. This is because small mistakes, such as missing a deadline, can put your right to collect compensation at risk. If you need to make a claim, prepare for a hearing, or appeal a denial, contact S.T. Legal Group to speak with a Deerfield unemployment compensation lawyer. Our team of skilled employment attorneys is dedicated to helping workers assert their rights.
Unemployment compensation is a government program that provides benefits to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Its purpose is to be a safety net to support people financially while they search for new employment. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) manages the program in this state.
Claimants must meet specific criteria to be eligible. A worker must have sufficient work history and earn a certain amount. They must also be actively searching for new employment and demonstrate this by maintaining a record of their job search and registering with an online system.
There are various reasons why an application for unemployment compensation could be denied. Some examples include:
A denial is not necessarily a final decision. A Deerfield attorney could help you appeal a denial and demonstrate that you have a legitimate claim to unemployment benefits.
Receiving a denial letter from the IDES can be discouraging, but it is not the time to quit. The IDES has an established process for appealing a denial; however, you must act quickly, as you typically only have 30 days to file an appeal.
A court hearing challenging an unemployment benefits decision allows both the former employer and former employee to give testimony and present evidence. An attorney’s legal guidance through the appeal process is helpful, even though the hearing is more informal than some.
Our team at S.T. Legal Group assists clients in many ways as they appeal a denial decision. We help our clients:
Our lawyers have extensive experience helping Deerfield workers fight unemployment compensation denials in IDES hearings. We could help to present your case as strongly as possible while working to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
The IDES may allege that a claimant committed fraud by providing false information, failing to report income, or continuing to collect benefits after securing new employment. These allegations can result in penalties, such as fines and having to repay all the benefits received.
It is important to respond to fraud and overpayment notices right away. Our Deerfield unemployment compensation attorneys could help individuals:
For the best chances at a favorable outcome, enlist the help of our lawyers immediately.
If you need assistance filing for unemployment benefits, preparing for a hearing with the IDES, or contesting fraud allegations, contact our firm to speak to a Deerfield unemployment compensation lawyer. At S.T. Legal Group, we are experienced attorneys who are dedicated to helping workers get the compensation they need. We understand how stressful this process can be, and we aim to make it as simple and easy as possible. Reach out to us online or by phone today to discuss your situation.