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General FAQ for employers - June 10, 2011

General questions and answers for employers

Can someone refuse a job and continue to collect unemployment benefits?

Claimants need to actively pursue "suitable work" to continue collecting unemployment benefits and must report any job refusal while collecting benefits. “Suitable work” is defined as work that is consistent with an individual’s prior experience, education and training, along with other considerations such as distance of travel to available work. If the refusal was for a suitable job, then benefits may be denied.

Can my employees collect unemployment benefits if I cut back their hours?

Possibly. Workers whose hours are cut may qualify for partial unemployment benefits.
The more money the employee earns at work, the greater the reduction from an employee’s weekly benefit amount. Employment Security uses an earning deduction chart to determine a part-time worker’s benefit amount.

Employment Security also offers a program called Shared Work to eligible employers. This program provides an alternative to layoffs by allowing employers to reduce the work hours of their full-time employees, while the workers collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages. Particpating in the Shared-Work Program is a voluntary decision made by the employer.

Can a worker quit and still collect unemployment benefits?

In most cases, no. However, there are 12 limited exceptions to this general rule that constitute “good cause” to quit a job. They are listed on page 16 of the Unemployment Claims Kit. In some cases, the benefits paid to the worker will not be charged directly to the former employer. Rather, the benefits charges will be spread out among all taxable employers.

Why am I being charged benefits for an individual who has not worked for me for almost a year?

A claimant’s benefits are usually based on work history during the first four of the previous five completed quarters. For example, a claim filed in February 2011 would be based on wages earned from October 2009, through September 2010. All employers for which the claimant worked during that period are charged a proportionate share of benefits paid to the worker.

Does Employment Security have staff dedicated to helping business owners?

Yes. To find out who to contact, visit our Contact Information for Businesses page.

How long can a former worker collect benefits?

During normal times, claimants can receive benefits of up to 26 weeks of benefits. However, when unemployment is high, there are federal and state programs that may provide additional weeks of benefits. For example, during the recent recession, up to 99 weeks of benefits have been available to claimants because the emergency unemployment compensation and extended benefits programs were activated. These benefits paid entirely by the federal government and do not affect employers' tax rates.