am i still eligible for unemployment if I have a temporary job?

Question

I'm a nursing student and I work at a hospital close to my home. Lately I've been having trouble getting into work on time (or sometimes at all). My boss just called me to go into her office and requested that I bring a union rep with me. I think they're going to fire me..

Do I qualify for unemployment? I've been working there part time for 2.5 years. at the moment I'm working as a student extern at another hospital for the summer so it's a temporary position. Would this interfere with collecting? what about school? I go to school part time (but full time hours) and won't be able to look for another job.. would this affect my ability to collect?
i'm so scared because I can't afford to not have a job and I can't afford to work during school....
btw - I live and work in new jersey.

Answer 1

Hello,
I will answer as best I can, but there are alot of "it depends."


I'm a nursing student and I work at a hospital close to my home. Lately I've been having trouble getting into work on time (or sometimes at all). My boss just called me to go into her office and requested that I bring a union rep with me. I think they're going to fire me..
(If you get fired and file as this being your last employer you are not likely to get UI because of your poor attendance)

Do I qualify for unemployment? (By working for the last 2.5 years you should qualify for a benefit AMOUNT, but they base whether or not you will receive that amount on a decision made about your separation)
I've been working there part time for 2.5 years. at the moment I'm working as a student extern at another hospital for the summer so it's a temporary position.
(Do you get paid for working as an extern?) Would this interfere with collecting? what about school? I go to school part time (but full time hours) and won't be able to look for another job.. would this affect my ability to collect?
(It depends on whether you get paid as an extern or not)
i'm so scared because I can't afford to not have a job and I can't afford to work during school....
btw - I live and work in new jersey.

It would take all day to explain the what ifs, if you would like to ask me questions, you can email me through my page.

Answer 2

I don't know about New Jersey, but in California going to school and not being willing to quit for a job would disqualify you. Having the other job would affect your benefits because it would be a reduction of income rather than a complete loss of income.

Of course, this is assuming you are entitled to benefits. Here in California, repeated tardiness or absences (with multiple, documented, warnings) is a valid reason for termination and in that case you would not qualify for benefits.

Your union would know all about this, so before you freak out, talk to them about your specific circumstances. And next time you can't afford to lose your job, take more care in showing up, on time.

Answer 3

You are eligible to collect UE if you lose your job thru no fault of your own -- being late or not showing up doesn't count. Some states allow you to collect unemployment and work part-time but it depends on your state. Contact your state Dept. of Labor to see what the eligibility requirements are.

Answer 4

I'm really sorry, but I believe that unemployment is only available if you aren't working at all. It's supposed to tide you over until you can find something (including temp work).

You might try looking at the web site for the Department of Unemployment in your state for more info.

Answer 5

If you have an income, that you have earned, that you have to file taxes on, then you do not qualify.