Unemployment help: Can I file if my employer won't let me go?

First off, I no longer work in journalism, which is why I posted to this thread instead.

The company I work for has not made payroll since September 15, and has no prospects of doing so any time soon. It should be blindingly obvious that the firm is failing, but the owner is in denial. However, he won't fire or lay off the staff, which means that I'm not eligible to get unemployment. I've told him that tommorrow is the last day I can work without seeing a paycheck, and he understands. But surely there has to be something that prevents me from having to live in this limbo land, even in this right to work state that would sooner set fire to the capital building than stand up to any business interests.

Advice?

 

would depend on the state but in texas nonpayment would be a legitimate reason for quitting and still being eligible for unemployment.

 

Alabama. Technically, I could probably still be put on a chain gang for being an idle vagrant.

 

My guess is that nonpayment is as good of a reason as any.

https://dir.alabama.gov/docs/guides/uc_brr.pdf

 

I'm not, why should you?

 

And if it helps, unenjoyment in this state is 200 bucks a week...

 

What are you asking us for? I mean, we're glad to help if we can, but I'm guessing you can get much better information elsewhere. My advice: Look at the link above and call the unemployment office and ask the question you asked us.

Or, you could kick your boss in the nuts so he'll fire you.

 

Which would be a $200/week improvement over current conditions.

Novelist, I'm asking because things finally came to a head this morning, and I'm still in a daze. Step 1 of 12, and all that.

 

So you've been working for a month without being paid?

 

$200 a week is the max?
You gotta be kidding.

 

That does seem way low.

 

It is truly a different world if you've never lived down here.

And yes, I've gone a month without a paycheck. The wife is a special ed teacher with a masters in a good district, which helps a lot. And I have already been job hunting and interviewing (went for the drug test today for a promising position). I just need to be able to do that full-time during the day.