Unemployment Benefits FAQ

Questions:

• Can I collect unemployment if I was fired for poor performance?
• I had to quit my job after my daughter was diagnosed with cancer; can I get unemployment benefits?
• After I was laid off, I took my son out of day care to save money; can I still collect unemployment even though I'm spending most of my time being a stay-at-home mom?
• Must I have earned a certain amount at my last job to collect unemployment?
• How long will it take to get my unemployment benefits after I file?
• How much money will I receive if I decide to file for unemployment benefits?
• For how long can I receive unemployment?
• Can my claim for unemployment benefits be denied?
• Is there anything I can do if my claim for unemployment benefits is denied?

Answer:

I had to quit my job after my daughter was diagnosed with cancer; can I get unemployment benefits?

It depends on your state's eligibility rules. In every state, an employee who quits a job voluntarily, without good cause, won't be allowed to collect unemployment. But each state has its own definition of good cause for quitting. In some states, employees may collect unemployment only if they quit for reasons related to the job, such as intolerable working conditions or a medical condition caused or aggravated by the job. Other states allow employees to collect unemployment if they quit for compelling personal reasons, such as domestic violence or serious illness in the family. For more information, see Nolo's article Unemployment Benefits: What If You Quit?