Eligibility

• When you leave a job, in some cases, you may still be eligible for unemployment benefits. Valid reasons for resignation that still allow you to collect benefits include harassment, unsafe working conditions, reduction in hours or salary and discrimination. Although you have the right to file for unemployment benefits if you are fired, poor conduct in the workplace is not a permitted reason. Minor infractions, company downsizing and company financial hardships are all reasons that entitle an employee to receive benefits.
  
  

Job Placement

• You have the right to receive not only benefits, but also assistance with finding a job. Under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, the government created One Stop Career Centers in multiple locations throughout each state. These centers are required to give unemployment beneficiaries access to phones, Internet access, job training seminars and career guidance as a way to help you find work.
  
  

Additional Benefits

• In periods of high unemployment in your state, you may be entitled to receive additional benefits under the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act. Unemployment benefit times are extended to provide for individuals who have difficulty finding work because of high unemployment rates.
  
  

Appeals

• You have the right to appeal in the case of unemployment benefits denial. Employer disputes can cause your claim to be denied. An appeal is filed through your state's unemployment office. Your appeal may need to include financial records from your former job, copies of warnings from your ex-employer and witness testimony attesting to the reason for your appeal.