Kansas City Unemployment Benefits Lawyer

No one expects to have their employment terminated; however, there are a variety of factors that can cause employers to lay off their employees. Fortunately, the states of Missouri and Kansas provide unemployment benefits to individuals who have been laid off or otherwise terminated through no fault of their own. While unemployed workers are entitled to these benefits, receiving them is not always a straightforward, easy process. If you have been laid off or fired through no fault of your own and are struggling to receive unemployment benefits, it may be helpful to work with a skilled unemployment benefits lawyer.

If you have been improperly denied unemployment benefits, seeking legal counsel is the best way to ensure that you receive the unemployment benefits to which you are entitled. At Hollis Law Firm, our team is committed to helping individuals who are experiencing unexpected changes in employment receive the compensation they deserve.

What to Know About Receiving Unemployment Benefits in Kansas City

When you apply for unemployment benefits in Kansas City, a representative from the unemployment office will determine if you are eligible and what amount of benefits, if any, you will receive. In order to be approved, applicants must follow and submit all the administrative requirements. You can expect to be asked the reason for your loss of employment along with your earnings over a set time frame. 

It is important to note that you don’t necessarily have to lose your job to qualify for unemployment. For example, in Kansas City, if your hours have been reduced, you may qualify for partial unemployment benefits. 

If your employer challenges your application, your unemployment benefits application may be denied. In these scenarios, either you or your employer can request a hearing so that the office of unemployment can make a final determination regarding your eligibility for benefits. 

Challenging an Unemployment Decision 

If you or your employer believe the determination of your eligibility for unemployment is incorrect, an appeal and hearing can be requested. In these situations, it is in your best interest to secure legal counsel. A lawyer can advise you on whether appealing the representative’s choice is worth pursuing. If an appeal is suitable for your case, a lawyer can assist you with this legal process. 

Unemployment hearings can take place in person or by phone before an appeals tribunal. Both you and your employer can have legal representation at the hearing. During the hearing, your lawyer can present evidence backing your eligibility for unemployment benefits. The appeals tribunal will hear all the evidence presented and submit a final decision, detailing their basis for approving or denying benefits. 

While it isn’t required or necessary to have legal representation in an unemployment benefits hearing, both the employee and employer have the right to seek legal counsel from an attorney. In these situations, it can be very beneficial to consult with an unemployment benefits lawyer, as they can assist you with gathering evidence and creating a basis for why your benefits should be approved.