Can you lose your job and fail to qualify for unemployment if you don't get vaccinated? The short answer is: yes.

According to a recent article (here) recent social media posts have suggested that if workers don't agree with the vaccination requirements at their job, "DO NOT QUIT. Make them fire you...and get unemployment benefits."

However, the article says that if a worker fails to comply with a company's vaccination policy, they may be fired and are generally ineligible for unemployment benefits. There are likely going to be some exceptions and qualifications for unemployment vary state to state.  Some states have more guidance than others, but employees are generally barred from getting unemployment benefits if they quit or if the employer has 'cause' for terminating the employee for misconduct. Is refusing to take the vaccination enough 'cause' for termination? Maybe.

Don't look for any help from the feds either, as the U.S. Justice Department just recently wrote a legal opinion that businesses may lawfully REQUIRE employees to get vaccinated. See the opinion here.

The article also admits that since COVID-19 vaccines are still new, private company mandates will likely be challenged in courts.

Has the original pandemic and now the vaccination issue caused a financial problem for your family? Call us at the law office of T. Verner Smith.

Through financial restructuring, debt resolution, or legal options including but not limited to bankruptcy, there are ways to relieve the pressure and chart a path to a better future. Don't be embarrassed, don't be hesitant, you are not alone, and taking action now is the smart approach.
 
​Call us at (731) 423-1888 and schedule a free consultation.