Can You Get Unemployment If You Quit?

 

 State Unemployment Directory 

 

In order to receive unemployment you have to be unemployed through no fault of your own.  If you quit your job you are voluntarily unemployed, and thus it is your own fault that you are unemployed, and therefore you are ineligible to receive unemployment benefits.

 

There are, however, situations in which you may be found eligible for unemployment even when you quit your job.  These situations are rare, and the decision whether you can collect unemployment may be somewhat arbitrary – and often only decided by making an appeal, and having a a special appeal hearing.

 

What are the situations where you MIGHT still be able to get unemployment if you quit your job?

1. You might still be able to get unemployment if you quit your job because of a hostile working environment.
2. You might still be able to get unemployment if you quit your job because your job reduces your hours and/or your pay significantly.
3. You might still be able to get unemployment if you quit your job because of medical conditions or disability.
4. You might still be able to get unemployment if you quit your job because you were promised a better job, and you subsequently did not get that other job — this one is a real longshot.
5. You might still be able to get unemployment if you quit your job because you quit your job to relocate and were unable to find a new job — this one is a real longshot.

 

Every state is different, and each situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  If you apply for unemployment after you just quit your job, you will almost certainly have your application denied.  

 

 

After your claim is denied, you will have to file an unemployment appeal.  If you have to file an appeal – this means that you employer is challenging your right to collect unemployment because you quit your job, and you will have to have a special unemployment appeal hearing.  Making an unemployment eligibility appeal can be a slow, complicated process.  It could take weeks or months for your appeal to be processed, and it could take weeks or months to get an actual eligibility hearing.

 

 

When you have quit your job and then apply for unemployment it is recommended that you apply for unemployment in person at your local unemployment office so that you can explain your situation fully to the unemployment counselor.  When you file online or by phone it will be much more difficult — the online system doesn’t have a place for you to explain why you quit your job.

 

What are the situations where you WILL NOT be able to get unemployment if you quit your job?

1. You will not be able to get unemployment if you quit your job because you don’t like your job anymore.
2. You will not be able to get unemployment if you quit your job because you don’t like your boss.
3. You will not be able to get unemployment if you quit your job because your work hours aren’t convenient.
4. You will not be able to get unemployment if you quit your job because you didn’t get that raise you were expecting.
5. You will not be able to get unemployment if you quit your job because you decide you want more money.

 

If you are unhappy at your job, or need to make more money, or don’t like your boss – don’t quit your job — Look For A New Job.  These are all good reasons to want to quit your job, just make sure that you have found a new job before you quit your current job.  It is much easier to find a job, when you already have a job.  Also, it has been reported that many employers are not even considering job candidates that are currently unemployed.

 

If you can’t find a new job before you quit your current job — stick it out if at all possible!  In most cases, if you quit your job you will not be able to collect unemployment benefits.