Unemployment provides a safety net for employees who have lost their job so they can continue to pay their bills. It is not meant to be a long-term solution and is designed to give people enough time to be rehired and find a new position. While unemployment benefits can significantly help people who are actively searching for a new role, they are not always granted.
A common misconception is that people who are fired cannot receive unemployment and that it is generally given to people who were laid-off for reasons outside of the former employee’s control. However, this is not always the case. Even if you were fired, there are still times when unemployment can definitely be an option.
When Someone is Fired for Misconduct
In Arizona, companies have the right to fire employees for almost anything. If you were terminated because you were under-qualified or were not the appropriate fit, unemployment benefits will likely not be difficult to obtain. However, if you broke company rules or committed a crime, it is far less likely that unemployment compensation will be an option. This applies to inappropriate behavior even in a worker’s personal life.
Figure Out Your Rights
If you have recently been fired, it is important that you understand your rights so you can take the the correct steps to fix the situation. Ask your former company if they provide severance packages and apply for programs within your state which are put in place to help people who qualify. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to look for a new job within a stable environment.
Educate Yourself on the Basics of Unemployment
The laws surrounding unemployment differ state by state. Most state unemployment programs are bankrolled by employer taxes. How much unemployment you receive and its duration will rely on your previous salary and whether or not the terminated employee has other ways to obtain an income.
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