Missouri’s Division of Employment Security, commonly known as the unemployment office, has a comprehensive and worker-friendly web site at www.dolir.missouri.gov/es/info_workers.htm. There is also a glossary of terms commonly used by the division in its procedures.

The Missouri statutes governing unemployment benefits have at least two important exceptions that may disqualify applicants.

Under state law, an employee “discharged for misconduct connected with the claimant's work” will be disqualified for waiting week credit and benefits, if the employee caused the dismissal by his or her wrongful action. Conversely, an employee who has left work “voluntarily without good cause attributable to such work” will be disqualified as well.

Court decisions have noted that each unemployment case deciding “misconduct” or “voluntary withdrawal” is fact-driven and specific, so there is no easy interpretation to provide.

If you proceed with an employment security application, make sure you have your facts outlined and evidence ready, including a focused and coherent statement of the facts as you know them, photos, evaluations, and whatever else may be appropriate to your case.

Once a week, MSTA’s legal team will post a new pointer to help you be proactive in preventing and addressing matters that sometimes lead to legal concerns. Of course, we will continue to provide our legal services to members who contact us through the regular channels.

The information in this site is for educational purposes only. The information contained here does not constitute legal advice, and the use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have a confidential legal matter to discuss, please contact the Legal Services Department at (800) 392-0532. We would be happy to help you.

Legal briefs archive