Unemployment After A Layoff

Unemployment after a layoff is not as easy as it sounds.  With inflation running wild and businesses laying off workers, I cannot help but address a very important point:  unemployment is not a guarantee

The law aside, there are many factors that go into whether or not a person qualifies for benefits.  Some reasons are stronger than others.  When employers confuse or blur the lines, guessing isn’t enough. 

As many people are finding out, unemployment after a layoff sometimes comes with strings attached.  Sometimes, this means a job loss is presented with a separation agreement.  This is followed with a wink, a nudge, and a monetary sum of money.  Not to fast though, because signing the dotted line can lead to bigger problems down the road.  This is especially true when we do not whether the next job is around the corner or light years away. 

Unemployment Laws in Minnesota

Unemployment Law 268.095
Unemployment Law 268.095

Before applying for benefits, consider some light reading.  First, look at Minnesota Statute 268.085.  This law outlines all kinds of rules on the framework of eligibility.  In fact, the name of the rule itself is called “Eligibility Requirements”.  When trying to understand unemployment benefits, you really cannot go wrong by reading the rules. 

On the other hand, if a person is trying to obtain unemployment after either quitting or getting fired, consider reading Minnesota Statute 268.095.  Under this rule, you will find all kinds of reasons addressing benefits after a discharge and benefits as a result of quitting. 

That said, reading each rule isn’t going to be good enough.  This is true because there are nearly 2,000 court cases helping us understand unemployment laws and to the extent benefits are granted.

I know this is a lot to absorb.  Especially after a job loss.  Start simple.  The process of applying for benefits is just as important as submitting a resume.  In fact, some of the same principles apply in either situation.  Every question is a trick and knowing why you are offering specific information is crucial to the bigger picture.