Philadelphia Unemployment Compensation Lawyers
If you are terminated from your job, you may qualify for temporary payments of money through unemployment compensation. It is crucial that you contact an unemployment compensation service center in your state to obtain benefits soon after your separation from employment. While unemployment service centers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York have made filing for benefits very convenient, mistakes can happen and your benefits may be denied. If you are unable to get your rightfully deserved benefits, then a knowledgeable attorney can help.
At Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti, P.C., we help our clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York with their unemployment compensation. The employment lawyers at our offices in Philadelphia, Bensalem, Marlton and Astoria can guide you through the process and overcome any hurdles you may face. You can call our Pennsylvania office now at 215-639-0801 or our New Jersey office at 609-683-4022.
Understanding The Unemployment Compensation Process In Pennsylvania, New Jersey And New York
Each state manages its own unemployment system, and you must follow the specific rules of the agency where you filed your claim. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Labor & Industry oversees benefits. New Jersey claims go through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, while New York workers deal with the Department of Labor. While these agencies make filing convenient, the appeal process is adversarial and moves very quickly.
Deadlines for appeals are incredibly strict. If you miss your window – 21 days in Pennsylvania, ten days in New Jersey or 30 days in New York – you may lose your right to benefits, unless you can demonstrate a compelling legal excuse for the delay. If your claim goes to a hearing, it functions like a mini-trial. Our attorneys use these opportunities to cross-examine witnesses and identify and argue against the weight of hearsay evidence, ensuring the judge prioritizes direct, credible testimony.
Strengthen Your Unemployment Case: Answers To Common Legal Questions
It’s possible to represent yourself when legal issues arise related to unemployment compensation, but our attorneys bring decades of employment law experience to your case. We can represent you in court and at other hearings. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions provided by our attorneys.
Can I still get benefits if I quit my job instead of being fired?
Yes, you may still qualify for benefits if you can prove you had a powerful reason to leave. In Pennsylvania, you must show “necessitous and compelling” reasons, while New Jersey requires ‘good cause’ connected to the work. New York also requires ‘good cause,’ though it may include certain compelling personal reasons. Our attorneys help you prove that your situation, such as unsafe working conditions or illegal harassment, left a reasonable person with no choice but to resign.
What happens if my employer appeals the decision after I start receiving checks?
If your employer appeals and wins, your benefit checks will stop and the state may even demand that you pay back the money you already received. This makes legal representation at the appeal hearing vital, as a judge will make a final decision based on the evidence presented. We fight to protect your existing benefits and prevent the financial burden of an overpayment debt.
Why do I need an attorney for a simple unemployment hearing?
Unemployment hearings follow specific rules of evidence that can be difficult for a non-lawyer to manage alone. An attorney can cross-examine your former manager and object to improper statements to ensure the judge only hears the facts. Our attorneys strive to build a professional record that gives you the best chance of a favorable ruling.
Learn More In A Free Consultation
If you have any questions about the unemployment appeals process or believe that you need the assistance of an employment attorney at any stage of your unemployment appeal, please call Karpf, Karpf & Cerutti, P.C., for a free consultation. You can call our Pennsylvania office now at 215-639-0801 or our New Jersey location at 609-683-4022. You can also send us an email.