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Can an employee who voluntarily quit still get unemployment benefits?
Q&AEmployee BenefitsTermination & Resignation
We just received a notice from the Employment Department letting us know that one of our former employees has filed for unemployment benefits. This employee voluntarily quit a few weeks ago; can he now qualify for unemployment?
Possibly, depending on the circumstances. Generally, an employee who voluntarily quits without good cause is disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, an employee who quits because he is subjected to harassment or a hostile work environment can still qualify for benefits. This is sometimes referred to as “constructive discharge.” Additionally, an employee who voluntarily quits to move because their spouse got a new job, to escape domestic violence, or due to other compelling family reasons may still qualify for benefits. The specifics vary a little from state to state, but there are definitely times when the employee will be eligible for benefits even after voluntarily leaving employment.
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