If a worker is involuntarily let go from employment, he or she is eligible to apply for unemployment benefits. If you willingly leave a job, then you are not entitled to such benefits. The worker then applies with the state department of labor. That administrative entity then makes a determination as to whether the employee is entitled to unemployment benefits. The employer is given an opportunity to contest the employee’s application for benefits.

After the administrative decision approving or denying benefits, then either the employee or the employer can appeal that finding to a court of law for a determination.