Insurance

• According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), "In the majority of States, [unemployment] benefit funding is based solely on a tax imposed on employers." As with any type of insurance, paid claims increase premiums -- the periodic insurance rate paid by the policy holder. Since, in most cases per the DOL, employers pay for unemployment insurance, they are acutely aware of claims applied to their respective company. If you file a claim that is misleading or questionable, chances are that your previous employer will block (or attempt to block) your unemployment benefits.
  
  

Eligibility

• In general, the U.S. Department of Labor defines unemployment benefit eligibility as unemployment status through "no fault of their own." In other words, if you were laid off due to lack of business or company closure, you are likely eligible for unemployment benefits, but you probably would not be if you voluntarily resigned and almost certainly not if you were fired. Proven criminal activity will disqualify your unemployment benefits eligibility, but other involuntary termination reasons can be questionable and worthy of appeal if your previous employer exercises a block to your unemployment benefits.
  
  

Appeals

• If your previous employer has blocked your unemployment benefit eligibility, and you believe you meet the eligibility requirements, you can file an appeal. Though the DOL provides general regulations for unemployment benefits, specific laws are dictated and enforced by individual states. Contact your state's attorney general's office or department of labor for its specific appeal process.
  
  

Lawyers

• Most U.S. state unemployment block appeal processes can be handled by a legal layperson. However, in some cases involving blatant untruths leading to personal and professional libel, a lawyer can be beneficial. Contact your state attorney general's office and/or department of labor for a list of pro bono lawyers who specialize in unemployment claims.