- Michael Burry
- Jul 17, 2025
Yes, you may receive unemployment benefits if you lose your job for no fault of your own or for economic reasons like a reduction-in-force (RIF), a plant closure, or a lack of work. Your behavior, performance, and other factors can lead to your termination.
If your gross misconduct gets you fired, you may not get unemployment benefits. Depending on the specific reasons for their termination, some employees may not always qualify for unemployment benefits.
Who is responsible for providing unemployment benefits?
The U.S. Department of Labor's unemployment insurance programs bear the responsibility of providing unemployment benefits to eligible employees who meet the eligibility requirements and face termination without fault. Unemployment insurance is a joint state and federal program that helps eligible workers by providing cash benefits.
However, each state manages its own unemployment insurance program and pays benefits accordingly.
If you lose your job, can you collect unemployment benefits?
State laws determine your eligibility to collect unemployment benefits after a termination. If an employee loses their job due to intentional misconduct or reckless actions, they may not receive unemployment benefits. This could apply for a specific period or in its entirety.
Some states find that employees who violate workplace policies or rules may not be eligible for benefits for unemployment for a certain period of time. However, the misconduct may vary from one state to another.
Types of misconduct that may disqualify an employee from receiving benefits.
Certain types of misconduct may prevent employees from collecting unemployment benefits.
- Failure to submit to an alcohol or drug test renders an employee ineligible for unemployment benefits. It may be considered a disqualifying event in some states.
- Theft: If an employee steals from coworkers or the company, they will not be eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
- If an employee commits a crime: An employee will not be eligible for unemployment benefits or may be layoff if they commit a crime, such as driving under the influence while performing company work, assaulting a coworker, or destroying company property.
- Violating safety rules: Employees who commit careless errors or purposeful disregard for safety rules will also lose their eligibility for benefits.
The disqualification to claim weekly unemployment benefits or pay for unemployment may not last forever.
How do I file for unemployment benefits?
To get unemployment insurance benefits, you have to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you have been working. The filing of a claim will depend entirely on whether the state files it in person, online, or by telephone and requires documentation.
When you file an unemployment benefit claim, you may need to submit certain information, such as the dates of your former employment and its address. You must provide complete and accurate information to support the claim. It may take 2 to 3 weeks after filing the claim to get your first benefit check.
How do you calculate your unemployment benefits?
If an employee is eligible to receive unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, they will receive weekly benefit pay that is nearly 50% of the average weekly wage. The maximum payout limit may vary depending on your state's laws. In October 2023, the maximum weekly benefit will be $1033. Once you apply for unemployment benefits, you will get a notification of the outcome within 3 to 4 weeks.
Unemployment benefits myths
Some employees believe that job performance termination due to a lack of attendance may disqualify them from filing for unemployment benefits. However, this is just a myth. Let’s debunk some of the myths about unemployment benefits.
- Absence: The incident leading to separation will determine eligibility for unemployment benefits. In cases of illness or absence, employees will receive points that can accumulate. Employees may face termination if their point total surpasses the policy's point threshold.
- Termination due to job performance: In the case of job performance, there is a burden of proof that lies with every employee. If the employer has proof of willful misconduct and documentation showing they were using shortcuts and making mistakes leading to unsatisfactory work performance, they may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
- Voluntary resignation: Employees may not receive unemployment benefits. There may be multiple reasons for collecting benefits. There are situations in which employees may be eligible for benefits.
- Personal illness
- Spousal relocation
- You want to escape domestic abuse.
- Conflicts may arise in the work environment.
Want to know more about unemployment benefits?
You may consider taking help from a workers' compensation lawyer if you are unsure about your legal rights and unemployment insurance benefits. After you file, they will assist you in applying for UI benefits.
FAQs on unemployment benefits
How much are unemployment benefits?
The average unemployment benefit payout ranges from $40 to $450 per week. An unemployment benefit calculator can give you an estimate of your weekly benefit amount. After you submit the application, the authorities will verify your eligibility and wage information to help determine your weekly benefit payout.
How long are US unemployment benefits?
If an employee qualifies for regular unemployment insurance benefits, they will receive up to 26 weeks of benefits.
What is the amount of unemployment benefits paid in the United States in 2024?
Employees received unemployment benefits in May 2024, totaling 2.92 billion US dollars. This is a decrease from the 3.19 billion US dollars in unemployment benefits paid in April 2024.