Plant City Client Entitled to Unemployment Benefits

Lourdes was employed to process clothing donations for six years before her employer instituted speed guidelines for all workers.  Although Lourdes tried to keep up, she could not work fast enough.  Her manager warned her that she would be let go if she could not increase the speed of her work.  She continued to try, but within a few weeks the manager called her to his office and told her that she must sign a voluntary quit note or she would forfeit her vacation pay.  Lourdes signed the note and applied for unemployment compensation.  Over the next year, Lourdes collected unemployment benefits.  Thirteen months after she applied, she was notified that she was not entitled to the benefits and must repay the money because she left work voluntarily or was discharged for misconduct.  Lourdes wanted to appeal the determination and applied to Bay Area for help.  Bay Area paralegal Jane Kelly assisted Lourdes with her appeal.  Prior to the date of her hearing, Lourdes’ former employer submitted several exhibits, including the signed voluntary quit note written in English. Lourdes is Spanish-speaking and does not read or speak English.  The employer declined to participate in the proceeding.  Lourdes testified at the hearing that she did not quit voluntarily.  With Jane’s assistance, Lourdes prevailed on her appeal.  The hearing officer determined that she could keep all of the benefits she had received.  Jane also advised Lourdes that she was eligible for SSI and the Medicare Part B subsidy.  The subsidy increased her current monthly income by $100. The SSI decision is pending.