Unemployment Dispute-Declined Work

[murphyslaw11]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? IN I have been receiving unemployment benefits. I was offered a job and I agreed to the salary they offered but I asked about the rest of the package. I wanted to know the benefits and other details excluding salary. I was told I would find that out at the orientation. At the orientation, I found out that the benefits were unsuitable (I had to pay for things which would effect the bottom line...things such as my own mileage and I would have to pay a lot for medical and life insurance and there was no sick pay) and I turned down the position by calling them on the phone the next morning after the orientation. The job was outside of what I normally have done. The pay was also well under what I use to make. I never worked a day for them nor was I every paid anything from them. The unemployment office said that I should be ok because the job was outside what I have ever done and that the salary was much lower, and listed that I declined because the benefits were unsuitable, and continued to pay me. Now I have received a notice of an appeal by this employer and a hearing date will be set. My question is...do I need a lawyer? Is there any way they (the employer) could have a case? The unemployment office said I did not need a lawyer which makes me think there should be no problem. I really can't afford a lawyer. What should I do?

 

[Beth3]

No, you don't need a lawyer. Whether UC benefits can be discontinued for turning down this particular job is a matter that will be cut-and-dried in your State's UC regulations. You need to attend the hearing and present the facts of the job offer - type of work, wages, what your costs would be for mileage, benefits and so forth. Sounds like the hearing will be merely a formality.

FYI, once either party (you or the employer) request a hearing on an eligibilty issue, the State has to hold a hearing. It's a guaranteed right in UC statutes. The UC office can't tell the employer "look - it's just going to be a waste of time; we've looked at the specifics of the offer and he is still entitled to UC benefits."

That's just the way the system works.

 

[murphyslaw11]

IN - THANK YOU! I am relieved somewhat....of course I will still worry until it is over. Thanks again.