Unemployment Insurance

Main Points

• If you lose your job, you may get unemployment benefits.
• Apply right away. Do not wait.
• File your claim every week, even if you are denied.
• You have the right to appeal.
• Many people win benefits on appeal.

What To Do First

• Contact New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES).
• Apply online or call 1‑800‑852‑3400.
• NHES will send you a letter saying if you qualify.

About Tax Refunds

• Some people overpaid taxes on unemployment pay.
• The IRS is sending refunds to millions of people.
• Check the IRS website to see if this applies to you.

If You Are Denied Benefits

• Do not stop.
• You can appeal the decision.
• You only have 14 days to appeal.
• Keep filing weekly claims while you appeal.
• If you win later, you may get paid for benefits you would have received.

How NHES Decides Your Case

Your Earnings

• NHES looks at how much you earned before you lost your job.
• Make sure they have all your wages correct.
• Your pay history affects:
  • If you qualify
  • How much you get each week

Why Your Job Ended

• NHES talks to you and your employer.
• They decide based on the facts.
• Why your job ended matters a lot.

If You Quit Your Job

You usually do not qualify if you quit.
You may qualify if you had a good reason caused by your job, such as:

• Unsafe or unhealthy work
• Big cuts in pay or hours
• Harassment or discrimination
• Domestic violence
• Medical reasons (with a doctor’s note)

Tip: Explain clearly why you had to leave.

If You Were Fired

• You may be denied if you were fired for serious rule-breaking.
• One small mistake is usually not enough.
• Repeated carelessness or a serious rule break can count.

You can still appeal if you disagree.

If You Were Laid Off

You usually qualify if:

• Your employer gave no reason, or
• The reason was not your fault, or
• You could not return after illness or approved leave.

The First Decision

• An NHES worker reviews your case.
• This person makes the first decision.
• This decision is not final.
• You can appeal within 14 days and ask for a hearing.

How To Appeal

The Hearing

• You ask for a hearing online or in writing.
• NHES schedules a hearing with the Appeal Tribunal.
• The hearing is informal but very important.
• A hearing officer listens to both sides.
• The hearing is recorded.
• You get a written decision later.

How To Get Ready For The Hearing

• Ask your employer for your full work file. (See RSA 275:56)
• Ask for:
  • A list of witnesses (See Emp 207.24)
  • Copies of documents they may use
• Bring:
  • Papers that support your story
  • People who saw what happened

Everything you share becomes part of the record.

Your Rights At The Hearing

• Tell your side of the story.
• Ask questions of witnesses.
• Object if someone talks about things they did not see.
• Ask for fairness if the process feels wrong.
• Bring a lawyer or advocate if you want.

Free legal help may be available. Contact 603 Legal Aid.

After The Hearing

• Read the decision carefully.
• If you lose, you can appeal again.
• You have 14 days at each appeal step.
• Appeals can go up to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Keep Filing And Job Searching

• File your claim every week.
• Look for work every week.
• Keep a list of:
  • Employers you contact
  • Dates you apply or interview

You can lose benefits for any week you do not search.

Being Available For Work

• You must be ready and able to work.
• You must look for full-time work if possible.
• You may still qualify if:
  • You can only work part-time (20+ hours), or
  • You have medical limits (with proof)

Tell NHES about any limits right away.

If Your Employer Appeals

• You may keep getting benefits during the appeal.
• If you lose later, you may have to pay the money back.
• You do not have to repay if you win the next appeal.

Extra Help: Trade Adjustment Assistance

You may get extra benefits and job training if:

• You lost your job because of foreign imports.

Ask NHES or contact 603 Legal Aid to apply for legal help.

The Appeal Process Can Work

• Many people win on appeal.
• Do not assume you have no chance.
• Meet all deadlines and keep records.