help with unemployment In NJ (unemployment benefits, living, delivery)

[pjforce]

I drive a truck for a living and was resently fired for being late on my delivery. They didnt give me enough time to make the delivery. So Im not worried about being denied for that. But 6 months ago i got a ticket that was serious and im betting they are going to bring that up. They didnt fire me when it happened court case still pending. My question is how long back into my work history can they go. When i was fired they never mentioned the ticket i got 6 months ago.

[FredJung]

Not sure I understand your question. If you were fired, you won't get unemployment benefits.

[pjforce]

you can be fired and still collect unemployment

[hrjersey]

Typically unemployment will ask if you have received prior warnings for the same/similar infractions. Generally being late once without any previous lateness is not good grounds for denying unemployment. NJ is an at-will state so employers can terminate you for any reason or no reason unless there is a contract or an implied contract in place.

But, even though they fire you, they have to have good cause in order for you to be denied unemployment. I haven't done HR in a few years but be prepared to appeal if they deny you. You will then have a hearing and be able to tell your side of the story. If they bring up the prior incident, you need to bring up the fact that you were not terminated then, the case is still pending and that being late for a delivery has nothing to do with the accident.