Society For Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional Practice Exam

Which statement about unemployment benefits is accurate?

1. Available to those on furlough

2. Paid for up to 26 weeks unless there are high unemployment rates

3. People who are fired for poor performance can get benefits

4. Benefits are taxed on a federal level

The correct answer is: People who are fired for poor performance can get benefits

The correct understanding of unemployment benefits centers around the specific eligibility criteria set by state laws. Generally, individuals who lose their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control—like layoffs—are eligible for unemployment benefits. However, being dismissed for misconduct, including poor performance, typically disqualifies individuals from receiving these benefits. This is because the unemployment insurance system is designed to assist those who are unemployed through no fault of their own. The mention of benefits in response to the context of various situations—like furloughs, duration of benefits based on unemployment rates, and taxation—while relevant, does not pertain to why individuals fired for performance issues are ineligible. Instead, the focus should be on the criteria that define one's fault in job loss. Thus, the statement regarding individuals fired for poor performance receiving benefits is inaccurate.