Alice Kay Perreault v. Virginia Employment Commission and City of Norfolk

**What Happened** Alice Kay Perreault worked for the City of Norfolk and was fired from her job. After losing her employment, she applied for unemployment benefits through the Virginia Employment Commission. However, the state agency denied her claim, ruling that she was disqualified from receiving benefits because she had been terminated for workplace misconduct. **What the Court Decided** Perreault challenged this decision in court, but she lost at every level. The circuit court sided with the Employment Commission, and when Perreault appealed, the Virginia Court of Appeals also ruled against her. The appeals court confirmed that the state agency was correct to deny her unemployment benefits based on misconduct. **Why This Matters for Workers** This case highlights an important limitation on unemployment benefits that all workers should understand. Even if you lose your job involuntarily, you won't automatically qualify for unemployment compensation. If your employer can prove you were fired for misconduct—such as violating company policies, poor performance, or inappropriate behavior—the state may deny your benefits claim. Workers should be aware that their conduct on the job can directly impact their eligibility for financial support if they become unemployed.