Unemployment After Being Fired in Louisiana
Whether you can collect unemployment in Louisiana after being fired, what counts as misconduct, and how to appeal a denial.
Short answer: You cannot get benefits if you were fired for misconduct, including illegal drug or alcohol use. Misconduct includes breaking work rules or poor job performance such as repeated tardiness, insubordination or knowingly breaking company policy. Louisiana Works, Unemployment Benefits Rights and Information (Rev. 08/2026)
| If you were fired | You cannot get benefits if you were fired for misconduct, including illegal drug or alcohol use. Misconduct includes breaking work rules or poor job performance such as repeated tardiness, insubordination or knowingly breaking company policy. If disqualified, you must earn wages equal to 10 times your weekly benefit amount before you can qualify again. For aggravated misconduct (serious acts such as theft, intentional damage or workplace violence), wages from that employer cannot be used for future benefits. |
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| Appealing a denial | You have 15 days from the mail date of a determination to appeal; weekends, legal holidays and office closures are not counted. Appeal online in HiRE, or complete the "I Appeal" section and email ClerkAppeal@la.gov, fax 1-225-346-6077 or mail the Appeals Tribunal. Each determination must be appealed separately. Keep filing weekly claims while you wait for the hearing. |
Where to get help in Louisiana
More Louisiana unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Louisiana Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Louisiana
- Unemployment After Quitting in Louisiana
- How Much Unemployment Pays in Louisiana
- How to File for Unemployment in Louisiana
- All Louisiana unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
Can you get unemployment if you were fired in Louisiana?
You cannot get benefits if you were fired for misconduct, including illegal drug or alcohol use. Misconduct includes breaking work rules or poor job performance such as repeated tardiness, insubordination or knowingly breaking company policy. If disqualified, you must earn wages equal to 10 times your weekly benefit amount before you can qualify again. For aggravated misconduct (serious acts such as theft, intentional damage or workplace violence), wages from that employer cannot be used for future benefits.
How do I appeal an unemployment denial in Louisiana?
You have 15 days from the mail date of a determination to appeal; weekends, legal holidays and office closures are not counted. Appeal online in HiRE, or complete the "I Appeal" section and email ClerkAppeal@la.gov, fax 1-225-346-6077 or mail the Appeals Tribunal. Each determination must be appealed separately. Keep filing weekly claims while you wait for the hearing.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.