It depends. In many jurisdictions, workers who lose their job can apply for and often receive unemployment benefits coverage for a certain period of time. However, there is usually an exception for workers who engaged in so called willful misconduct. There are also exceptions for those who willingly leave jobs and for those who are principally self employed (own their own business). Thus, if you are fired from your job due to a typical reduction in force or because of a general layoff, you likely can receive unemployment benefit coverage for a period of time. However, if you were fired for stealing employer property, then you are unlikely to receive unemployment benefit coverage.

• Must an employer do anything to accommodate employees who wish to breast feed their children?
• Must employers give employees time off for lunch and for rest periods?
• Are employment discrimination awards taxable?
• Can an employer fire an employee for filing a workers compensation claim?
• Are there time limits and notice requirements on filing worker compensation claims?
• What if an employee suffers a permanent disability?
• What does the employee receive in workers’s compensation benefits?
• What if you suffer a heart attack due to stress on the job? Are you compensable under workers compensation?
• When does an injury arise out of and in the course of employment?
• What is considered a work related injury?
• What entity handles worker compensation claims?
• Why is workers compensation considered a form of compromise?
• What is the purpose of workers compensation?
• What is the key factor in determining whether employees may be included in a valid tip pool?
• What about employees receiving tips and how they are treated under FLSA?
• What is a Belo contract?
• What is the taxicab exemption ?
• In an FLSA case, who has the burden of proof to show that an employee is exempt from the overtime pay benefit?
• Do computer programmers and computer system analysts qualify as professionals and exempt from FLSA’s overtime provisions?
• Do blue collar workers who have great expertise in their respective jobs fall under the professional overtime exemption under FLSA?