You’re sitting there, staring at your final paycheck or maybe just a letter from HR, and the big question hits: "Does Securitas pay unemployment?" It’s a stressful spot to be in. Losing a job, whether you were a security officer at a high-rise or a supervisor at a warehouse, feels like the rug’s been pulled out. Honestly, there's a lot of noise online about how big corporations handle these things. You might hear coworkers whispering that Securitas "always fights claims" or that they pay the money directly.
Most of that is just talk.
Basically, the way it works is a bit more bureaucratic than a simple "yes" or "no." Securitas doesn't hand you a check from their own bank account when you lose your job. No company does that. It’s not like a severance package where you get a lump sum and a handshake. Instead, it’s a system of insurance. You’ve probably seen those deductions on your paystubs for SUI or FUTA. That’s the money—paid by the employer—going into a giant pot held by the state.
When we talk about whether Securitas "pays," what we really mean is: will they sign off on your claim or will they contest it?
✨ Don't miss: Is a million dollar bill real? What most people get wrong about high-denomination currency
The Truth About Does Securitas Pay Unemployment
To get straight to the point: Securitas pays into the state unemployment insurance fund, which then pays you. They are legally required to do this in every state where they operate. So, in a technical sense, they’ve already "paid" for your potential unemployment while you were working.
But here’s the kicker.
If you file a claim, the state’s unemployment office (like the EDD in California or the TWC in Texas) is going to call up Securitas. They’ll ask, "Hey, why isn't this person working for you anymore?" This is where things get tricky. If Securitas says you were laid off because a contract ended—which happens a lot in the security world—you’re usually golden. If they say you were fired for "misconduct," the state might deny your check.
It’s a common misconception that the company loses a dollar for every dollar you get in benefits. That’s not quite how it works. While they don't pay you directly, if too many former employees collect unemployment, the company’s "tax rate" goes up. It's like car insurance; if you get into five wrecks, your monthly bill jumps. Because Securitas is a massive company with thousands of employees, they are very protective of that rate.
How the Claims Process Actually Plays Out
When you submit that application to the state, you’re basically starting a three-way conversation between you, the government, and your former boss. Securitas has a whole department—or they hire a third-party company—just to manage these claims.
They’re looking for a few specific things:
- Reason for separation: This is the big one. Layoffs are fine. Contract losses are fine. "Lack of work" is the best phrase you can see on your paperwork.
- Misconduct: If you were caught sleeping on post, missed multiple shifts without calling, or broke a major safety rule, Securitas will likely contest the claim. They’ll provide documentation, like those write-ups you might have signed (or refused to sign).
- Voluntary Quit: If you just walked off the job because you were tired of the graveyard shift, you’re probably not getting paid. The state views unemployment as a safety net for people who lost their job through no fault of their own.
I’ve seen cases where a guard was "let go" because a client didn't like them. If Securitas doesn't have another site to put you on immediately, that’s often treated as a layoff. You should apply regardless of what you think the outcome will be.
🔗 Read more: How Much Stock Loss Can You Write Off: The Reality of Tax-Loss Harvesting
Honestly, the state makes the final call, not Securitas. If the company protests and says you were fired for cause, you have the right to an appeal hearing. During that hearing, a judge looks at the evidence. Sometimes Securitas doesn't even show up to those hearings because they're too busy or the paperwork got lost. If they don't show, you usually win by default.
When You Might Get Denied
It isn't always about what Securitas says. Sometimes the state denies you for reasons that have nothing to do with your former employer.
For instance, if you didn't work there long enough, you might not have enough "base period" wages. Every state has a math formula. Usually, they look at the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. If you only worked for Securitas for three weeks and didn't have a job before that, you might be out of luck.
Also, you have to be "able and available" to work. If you’re claiming unemployment but you’re actually in the hospital or on a two-week cruise in the Caribbean, the state is going to stop those payments. You have to be actively looking for a new gig.
Practical Steps to Take Right Now
If you find yourself without a post and you're worried about bills, don't wait. People often wait weeks to file because they're embarrassed or they think they'll find something else fast.
- File immediately. Unemployment benefits are not retroactive to the day you lost your job; they usually start from the week you file.
- Keep your paperwork. Save every "Record of Conversation," every write-up, and especially your termination or layoff letter. If Securitas says you quit but your letter says "contract ended," that’s your winning ticket.
- Be honest on the application. If you lie and say you were laid off when you were actually fired for fighting, and the state finds out, you could be hit with a "fraud overpayment." That means you have to pay the money back plus a penalty. It's not worth it.
- Watch your mail (and email). The state moves fast once the process starts. If they schedule a phone interview to talk about your "separation," you have to be there.
Securitas is a massive machine. To them, you might be a number on a spreadsheet, but the unemployment system is designed to treat you as a person who needs a bridge to their next job. Whether they "pay" really comes down to whether your departure fits the legal definition of "no-fault" unemployment.
If you're unsure about your specific situation, look up your state's "Benefit Determination Guide." It’s the same manual the state workers use to decide your fate. It’s dry, boring, and full of legalese, but it tells you exactly where the lines are drawn between a "good cause" quit and a "misconduct" fire.
The most important thing to remember is that you aren't asking Securitas for a favor. You're accessing a system that you and the company have already paid into. It’s your right to apply, and it’s the state’s job to decide if you qualify based on the facts.
👉 See also: Time Off for Bad Behavior: Why Modern HR is Rethinking the Rules of Workplace Discipline
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your last paystub to see exactly how much you earned in the last quarter—this will help you estimate your weekly benefit amount. Then, go to your state’s official Department of Labor website to start your claim. Most states allow you to do the whole thing online in about 20 minutes.