Unemployment Compensation includes government benefit paid to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.  Benefits include weekly compensation and help finding a new job.  Qualified applicants receive between 50% to 60% of their previous earnings for approximately 26 weeks.  In some cases, benefits end after 16 weeks, or are denied altogether, if the individual didn’t work enough in the past year.

>The Unemployment Compensation Determination

After filing a claim for Unemployment Compensation, the claimant receives a Notice of Determination.  This Notice “determines” the denial or approval of claimant’s application, and includes the supporting facts.  If either party appeals the decision, a subsequent referee’s hearing determines whether to confirm or overturn the initial decision.

The referee’s hearing includes: transcribed testimony, the application of rules of evidence, and an examination of witnesses.  The benefit of creating a full and favorable record at the referee’s hearing cannot be understated.  The record provides the basis of any information considered for appeals to the Board of Review or Commonwealth Court (if necessary.)  Due to these complexities, it is often beneficial to have the support of legal counsel at a referee’s hearing.