What are the disadvantages of unemployment benefits?

What should I do if denied unemployment benefits?

• Ok so this is my situation: I worked at a retail store and was laid off by my employer a year ago. I collected unemployment for a year. When I applied for an extension I was denied because my employer said I was fired instead for misconduct regarding time clock discrepancies. This is not true. My employer had it in for me and several other employees and on a weekly basis we were questioned over petty things but never given any warnings. Finally they just laid us off to make way for other employees with more seniority to take over our store. I collected unemployment for a year. When I applied for another extension I had to go through a phone interview with unemployment because my employer said I was terminated for misconduct and not laid off. I explained what really happened to unemployment and after 2 weeks I received a letter denying me any further benefits. They were threatening to have me pay back a year's worth of income but I don't think they had the proof to show unemployment. My employer had no proof of what they were accusing me of and if they had a problem with my receiving benefits from them then why didn't they say something about it a year ago when I first applied for benefits? So not only was I denied further benefits but I was penalized from collecting any unemployment for 3 years. I'm wondering if I should pursue this matter any further. It's confusing. Should I try to appeal the decision or is it not worth it? Also I feel that my name has been stained with unemployment from now on and this could affect my future if I ever need their assistance again. I'm still looking for work and I could use another extension, while doing so, but I'm not sure what to do next. I appreciate any advice you may have on this matter.

• Answer:

  You can file an appeal, but as you gave no indication of what state you are located in, I can't help with any specifics. It's very strange that your former employer did not dispute your initial claim. It's possible that so many people from that company filed for unemployment, their insurance rates skyrocketed and they're trying to deny benefits at this late date to bring down their costs. I suggest you re-ask this question and let us know where you are located. Perhaps then someone will have some information which can help you.