(Published in the Fall/Winter of 2010 Newsletter)
I am surprised at the number of people with whom I regularly meet, who have lost their jobs and do not seek Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Benefits. Such people generally do not file because they are simply too proud to ask for a government "hand-out."
I tell such people that Unemployment Compensation Benefits are not a government "hand out" and explain as follows. First, unemployment compensation benefits are something to which all wage earners contribute as part of their wages. In this sense, when a person applies for and receives such benefits, they are receiving some of the money back from a fund they helped to create.
Second, unemployment compensation benefits are not automatically awarded in Pennsylvania simply because someone loses their job. The jobless worker must still prove their right to the benefits. Employment generally ends in one of two ways: either the employee quits or they are fired. While it is generally easier to obtain unemployment compensation benefits when the employee is fired without good cause, employees that quit their job can still get benefits if they had good reason, as defined by the law, for leaving their job.
Over the past few decades, our lawyers have represented employees and employers at hundreds of unemployment compensation hearings and appeals. We see both sides clearly and can help you in your claim or defense. One thing I can firmly say: do not go to the hearing without counsel. Doing so puts you at a severe disadvantage. Many have done so, only to lose their case and then ask us for help. By then, it is extremely difficult to help. Contact us now if you have a claim or potential claim or defense in the Pennsylvania unemployment compensation benefits' system.
Menges & McLaughlin, P.C.
www.YourLawFirmForLife.com
NOTE: The contents of this Newsletter are not intended to be, nor should they be taken as, specific legal advice as each situation is different. Please contact a lawyer with any questions you may have.
The attorneys at Menges & McLaughlin, P.C. can help. Contact us now by calling, toll free, 1-866-464-5297.
