Unemployment benefits can help someone meet their financial obligations while searching for a new job. To receive these benefits, a former employee must meet certain eligibility criteria and comply with the state’s filing obligations.
If you are denied unemployment benefits in Deerfield, you can appeal that decision. Former employees who have questions about their eligibility to receive benefits should speak with a diligent employment attorney as soon as possible.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security oversees the state’s unemployment benefits program. The IDES collects unemployment insurance taxes from state employers to administer the program and pay benefits.
Former employees in Deerfield must meet certain eligibility criteria to receive unemployment benefits. For example, the employee must have earned at least $1,600 during the last year and $440 outside of the quarter in which their earnings were the highest during that year.
If the former employee fails to qualify under this standard, the IDES may use an alternate base period that includes the most recently completed four quarters. An employee is only eligible for unemployment benefits if they are entirely out of work or working less than full time due to a lack of available hours.
Further, a person is only eligible for benefits if their unemployment is involuntary. A former employee could be ineligible for benefits if they:
Additionally, the former employee must be available for work and actively seek employment during the period in which they receive unemployment benefits. This means that unemployment benefit recipients must document their job search activities.
To receive unemployment benefits in Deerfield, an individual must file a claim with the IDES. Applicants can file the claim during the first week of unemployment.
The applicant may need to provide supporting documentation or additional information, such as wage records, citizenship status, and information about their dependents.
After filing, the individual will receive a letter from the IDES, known as a UI Finding letter, that will explain whether they are eligible for benefits. Individuals who qualify for unemployment benefits must complete a certification every two weeks to maintain eligibility. When an unemployment benefits recipient makes a false statement in their certification or commits another form of fraud, they could face severe criminal penalties, such as fines, prison time, or offsets against their state or federal tax returns, and lose future unemployment benefits.
If a former employee in Deerfield is denied unemployment benefits, they can still appeal the IDES’ decision. An appeal will give the claimant an opportunity to present their case before an IDES administrative law judge, referred to as a referee.
To file an appeal, the claimant must write a letter or complete a request for reconsideration within 30 days of the mailing date on the letter that denied their claim. The employee should explain why they disagree with the decision.
The IDES can still deny the request for reconsideration, in which case the claim is automatically sent to the agency’s appeals division, and a hearing date is set. The applicant must also submit applicable supporting documentation as exhibits prior to the hearing.
Individuals seeking to appeal a decision regarding unemployment benefits can hire an attorney to represent them at the hearing. The applicant will have an opportunity to testify and subpoena relevant witnesses.
If the applicant disagrees with the referee’s decision, they can still file a written appeal to the IDES’ board of review within 30 days of the mailing date on the ruling.
Engaging an attorney during the appeals process can help the applicant present the best possible evidence as to why they should receive unemployment benefits.
Hiring an attorney can help an employee navigate the state’s unemployment benefits system. A denial of unemployment benefits in Deerfield can lead to financial difficulties for employees who are already out of work.
If you were denied benefits, a lawyer can work on your behalf to appeal the claim. Contact our firm today to schedule an appointment.
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