Q: Can my employer refuse my unemployment / FMLA due to Covid-19?
I was off work for a total of 6 days. I started showing signs of Covid-19 and sought out medical attention. I was turned away from my family doctor because I had several symptoms of Covid-19. I took an online health screening that advised me to get tested and quarantine until testing was done. I also contacted a local doctors office that screened me via telephone and sent me to get a Covid test done. Testing took 3 days to get results, which came back negative. I returned to work the following Monday. I filed for unemployment for that week and sent all documentation to my employer. They denied my unemployment for that week and are refusing to pay under the FMLA. Please advise.
A: FMLA does not provide for paid leave, so that's out. As to unemployment, that is filed with the state, and they make that determination. Did the state give you a reason as to why they refused unemployment compensation? It sounds like you just voluntarily left the job.
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