Career Planning Finding a Job Navigating Unemployment When You Can Collect Unemployment If You're Fired Learn about eligibility for unemployment after being fired from a job By Alison Doyle Alison Doyle Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts. learn about our editorial policies Updated on November 21, 2022 In This Article View All In This Article Termination at Will Fired for Cause After Being Fired How Does Unemployment Work? Applying for Unemployment Benefits While You Receive Benefits Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Photo: The Balance Unemployment benefits exist to help protect workers if they lose their job through no fault of their own, so they can make ends meet until they find a new position. Depending on the circumstances and the state you worked in, you may be able to collect unemployment if you are fired from your job. Whether you can collect unemployment depends on the circumstances of why your employment was terminated. Review information on eligibility for unemployment when you've been fired from a job, how to apply, and how to appeal if your claim is denied. Key Takeaways You may be able to collect unemployment benefits if you are fired from your job.Guidelines vary based on the circumstances of your termination and state law.Your state department of labor website will have information on eligibility in your location.If your claim is denied, you will be able to appeal the denial. Termination at Will Most employees are employed at will, meaning that the employment agreement can be terminated at any time by either party. One of the criteria for eligibility for collecting unemployment is becoming unemployed through no fault of your own. This means that if you were fired because you weren’t a good fit for the job, your position was terminated because of company cutbacks, or for reasons like lack of skills, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Note If you decide to quit your job, you are unlikely to be eligible for unemployment benefits, although there are some special, extenuating circumstances that may apply. Eligibility will vary depending on the state where you reside. Fired for Cause When you are terminated for cause or misconduct, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. Eligibility will depend on your state's guidelines. Misconduct includes stealing, lying, failing a drug or alcohol test, falsifying records, deliberately violating company policy or rules, sexual harassment, and other serious actions related to your employment. Even conduct outside of the office, for example, such as a problematic social media post on a personal account or committing a crime, can disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits. State laws regarding eligibility for unemployment vary. Keep in mind that being terminated for cause isn't the same as being fired for any cause. "Terminated for cause" refers to negative actions on the employee's part that warrant repercussions. Losing your job during a round of company-wide layoffs, for example, probably isn't the same as being terminated for cause, even though the termination was technically "caused" by company-wide layoffs. In some states, being fired for misconduct may bar you from receiving unemployment benefits permanently. In others, it may prevent you from receiving compensation for a limited period. Under some circumstances, you may be eligible for benefits. After Being Fired Find out what your rights are when you are fired from your job. Your company may offer a severance package. You can also look into what other state programs you may qualify for to help your family while you look for work. It’s a good idea to collect any documentation relating to your termination as well, and this is best done either before—if you suspect that you are at risk of termination—or immediately after you lose your job. Emails, notes about meetings, phone messages, doctor’s notes, etc., can all act as supporting evidence you may need if your unemployment claim is denied. Note If you have been fired from your job, and you are not sure whether you're eligible for unemployment benefits, check with your state unemployment office. In addition to verifying the cause of your termination, they can help to make sure you meet the minimum requirements for earnings and duration of employment for your application to be considered. They will help you claim the unemployment benefits you are entitled to and explain the amount and length of coverage you should expect to receive. How Does Unemployment Work? Unemployment compensation receives the bulk of its funding through taxes paid by employers, and each state runs its own unemployment program. States have autonomy regarding who can receive unemployment benefits, for how long, and the amount of compensation. Note Although unemployment compensation can be confusing, your state's unemployment website can help answer many of your questions. For help in navigating the process, you can call your state's unemployment office. You may be able to speak directly with an informed person who can help clarify requirements and get you the answers you need. Applying for Unemployment Benefits When you have been fired from a job, you can file online for unemployment. It’s a good idea to get the paperwork for your claim in order as soon as possible after you receive notice of your termination. It can take time for your claim to be processed, and the sooner you file for benefits, the sooner a determination can be made as to your eligibility. While You Receive Benefits If you do meet all the various qualifications to receive unemployment, be aware that compensation comes with conditions. While you are receiving unemployment, you must be actively seeking a new job—and states can request proof of your job search. If you turn down a suitable position (that is, one that is reasonably on par with the responsibilities and salary of your previous roles), your unemployment benefits may be terminated. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How do you file for unemployment benefits? Unemployment benefits are paid through the state unemployment offices. The quickest and simplest way to file for unemployment compensation is online on your state's unemployment website. What can I do if my unemployment claim is denied? If your claim is denied by the state unemployment department or contested by your employer, you have the right to appeal the decision. Make sure you collect all documentation related to your claim so you have all the information you need to appeal the denial. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Conference of State Legislatures. "At-Will Employment - Overview." U.S. Department of Labor. "How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?" U.S. Department of Labor. "State Unemployment Insurance Benefits." U.S. Department of Labor. "What Are Unemployment Benefits?" NOLO. "Unemployment Benefits: What If You're Fired?"