I AM PREGNANT AND SICK, CAN I APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT IF THEY FIRE ME?

Q) I AM PREGNANT AND HAVE A ILLNESS HAVE BEEN AT MY JOB FOR 7 MONTHS AND BECAUSE I MISSED WORK DUE TO BOTH SITUATIONS. I HAVE BEEN PUT ON PROBATION AND FEEL LIKE I MIGHT GET FIRED. CAN I APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND RECEIVE IT IF THEY FIRE ME FOR MISS WORK?

A) It depends on the reason why you were fired. If you were fired for being pregnant or for having an illness, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. However, if you were fired for something else, such as excessive absenteeism, you may not be eligible.

If you are fired, you should contact your state’s unemployment insurance office to file a claim. You may need to provide documentation from your doctor to support your claim.

The unemployment insurance office will review your claim and make a decision about whether you are eligible for benefits. If you are approved for benefits, you will receive a weekly payment for a certain period of time. The amount of your benefits will depend on your earnings and your state’s unemployment insurance laws.

If you are denied benefits, you may be able to appeal the decision. You should contact your state’s unemployment insurance office for more information on how to appeal a denial.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• The reason for your termination. If you were terminated for a reason that is considered to be discriminatory, such as because of your pregnancy or your illness, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer.
• Your state’s unemployment laws. The eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits vary from state to state.
• Your financial situation. If you are unable to find a new job right away, unemployment benefits can help you to make ends meet.

If you are considering filing for unemployment, it is important to weigh all of your options carefully. Filing for unemployment can have a negative impact on your future employment prospects, so it is important to make sure that you are making the right decision.

Generally, if you do get fired, you will need to be physically able to work in order to qualify for Unemployment Benefits.

General Requirements for Unemployment Benefits

Be totally or partially unemployed.
Be unemployed through no fault of his/her own.
Be physically able to work.
Be available for work which means to be ready and willing to immediately accept work.
Be actively looking for work.
Meet eligibility requirements each week benefits are claimed.
Be approved for training before training benefits can be paid.