Beth53 Posted June 2015
Unemployment benefits when you quit your job to be a family caregiver.
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Via AARP, I just found out that 24 states pay unemployment insurance benefits to people who quit their jobs to be family caregivers. If you're one of those people, check with your state to find out if they offer this benefit. I quit my job in 2013 after being employed with that employer for 12 years. I didn't file for unemployment because I didn't think I would qualify. It would have been nice of my HR office to tell me about this, but I know it's in their best interests to not pay their portion, so...
You do have to look for work while you receive the benefit, which is kind of stupid because you quit your job for a reason, but getting a little extra income to bridge the gap is always a good thing.
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As I said earlier(from being on UE benefit myself years ago) you have to answer questions every time you send your form asking if you looked or turned down any work.
You answer NO, as a caregiver not looking for work outside the home would, and you disqualify yourself. You must answer YES to continue on benefits.
Going back many years, 1972, I quit ajobto follow my husband who had just graduated college and gottenhis first professional jobin another part. Of the state. I was denied unemoloyment. More than ten years laterI was back in that state for business. On my last day in town I caught the tv news that a class action suit had finally been found in favor of those who had been denied UI for just the teason I had quit, to keep their family together. I went back to the state where I lived and filed an out of state claim for the benefits previously denied. Got the money. Hadn't even known about the lawsuit before that trip.
Not only that but you have to answer the question "did you actively look for work last week", you would have to answer "no", which would automatically stop your next check.
Seems like misinformation.
If you left your job to be a caregiver, or stay at home parent, or to do whatever, that was your choice. No UI.
To get UI, probably first use up all FMLA. After that maxed out, would have to be able to provide a documented paper trail to /from HR requesting specific accommodations to enable caregiving based on verifiable need over a period of time. If HR is unable to do this, then you can get UI. What will probably happen is HR will find you a job at entry level pay & status unless you are a key man for the company (you'd probably have an extraordinary clause in your contract for sabbatical). If you don't take job, then no UI. Most arent going to go gracefully from upper management to bring a receptionist, so voluntarily leave & no UI.
"Even in the 24 caregiving-friendly states, the reasons for leaving must be documented, they must be compelling, and individuals must typically show that the employer offered no reasonable alternative to quitting work. This means, then, that prior discussion with the involved employer is required unless the futility of these efforts can be proven."
"In some States, workers are required to show that they are the only one in the family able to provide the needed care to the family member who is ill or has a disability".
Each State has its own sets of rules and regulations, but it would be worth looking into.