Seperation Agreement Waives Unemployment Benefits

[haveyouseenmary]

What is the name of your state? Michigan
I'm a just cause employee and my position was eliminated. However I was given a fair severance package given the current financial situation of the company. Upon review of the agreement I realized that it states that I waive all rights to "unemployment insurance benefits". I had planned to file for unemployment when the severance was paid out. Can a company do that? Should I just sign it and file for unemployment anyway? Right now, I need the money, so I can't really afford to not accept the severance. What should I do? Can the company fight my unemployment claim?

 

[cbg]

A company cannot force you to waive an unemployment claim; however, if you were fired "for cause" you may not be eligible for benefits anyway.

Yes, an employer can always contest your benefits, just as you can always appeal a denial.

Since your applying for UI *may* invalidate your severance agreement (if it should turn out that you're not qualified and the company knew that) I would have an attorney look at it before filing. I think you'll be okay but I haven't read the agreement as a whole.