Can my employer block my unemployment benefits?

 

A: Technically speaking, a company cannot deny your unemployment claim. Only the state unemployment office has the power to do this. You are generally entitled to receive unemployment benefits for any reason other than being discharged for “good cause.” Examples of permissable departures include quitting because the paycheck bounced or because of illness.

However, there are creative ways for the company to make it difficult or almost impossible for you to collect.

One way is to challenge or appeal your claim on the basis that you left voluntarily. Captains have been known to slide in a form (without you noticing it) into the pile at the end of your tour for you to sign quickly that will later be checked “Voluntary Quit.”
Some union companies challenge unemployment because members collect vacation pay. However, this maneuver has been defeated many times by union members. A company can file a frivolous appeal that it knows has no chance of holding up just to delay the process. Because by the time you finally prevail, it’s time to go back to work. Moreover, you just may not want to deal with the headache of fighting the appeal; you have better ways to spend your vacation.

Unfairly denying unemployment benefits may be a form of blacklisting. How? Some companies noted for filing appeals will sell their lie throughout the industry to give the impression that what they are doing is customary and therefore discourage workers from even filing.

Protect Your Future

V&B represents injured maritime workers and their families worldwide. We protect workers who have been blackballed or retaliated against for reporting safety concerns, injuries on the job, or asserting their legal rights.

To learn more about how you can protect your rights, order a copy of one of our Free Books and Reports by visiting www.http://www.maritimeaccidentattorney.com/getfreereport.cfm.
 
Many people want to talk to one of our maritime injury attorneys immediately. You can call toll free 877.724.7800 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to schedule an appointment

Learn your rights as a seaman by ordering free copy of The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Maritime Injury Case written by Jones Act and maritime accident injury lawyer Brian Beckcom.

Maritime Work is Dangerous

Our maritime lawyers realize that maritime work can be dangerous when companies cut corners on safety.  That's why we've dedicated our time to putting out free information for workers.

To learn more about our law firm and what we can do for you, please visit the following websites:

www.vbattorneys.com

www.maritimeaccidentattorney.com

www.texasinjuryaccidentlawyer.com

About our law firm

Brian Beckcom handles Jones Act, maritime injury, and other offshore injury cases.  If you want to find out more about our law firm and the types of cases we handle, please visit our Maritime Injury Law practice area page on our main website.

Or, you can send a message to Mr. Beckcom by clicking here.