Are you eligible for unemployment insurance?
Unemployment insurance provides benefits to people who are out of work and meet certain criteria, typically for up to 26 weeks. To qualify in California you generally need to meet three requirements:
- Your job loss was beyond your controlLaid off, or fired for reasons unrelated to misconduct.
- Your past earnings meet the thresholdYou earned enough during your base period to qualify.
- You are actively looking for workAnd able and available to accept it.
Which reasons for losing a job still qualify?
To be eligible, you must have been fired or laid off for reasons unrelated to your own misconduct. You may also be able to collect benefits after quitting — but only if your decision was reasonable for your circumstances, such as leaving because of discrimination, harassment or other intolerable working conditions.
How does an attorney help with an unemployment appeal?
A lawyer's guidance can be invaluable in proving that you qualify and ensuring the forms are completed correctly. Being denied does not necessarily end your chances of receiving benefits. If your claim is denied, we can help you appeal: we review your documents and circumstances, prepare you for the hearing, and build a strong argument for your claim.
What does it cost to challenge a denial?
The consultation is free and we charge nothing upfront. Appeal deadlines are short and they are counted from the date on the notice rather than the day it reached you, so the most useful thing you can do is call as soon as a determination arrives — even if you have not decided whether to appeal. If the denial followed a complaint you made, a wage dispute or a medical leave, tell us: that often points to a separate retaliation or wrongful termination claim worth far more than the benefits.
We are prepared to discuss your case and determine what legal action should be taken — whether it is an individual claim or a case on behalf of everyone affected. We offer free consultations and charge nothing upfront. Our office is in San Diego, and we routinely handle cases in all State and Federal Courts throughout California — wherever in the state you live or work.