Career Planning Finding a Job Navigating Unemployment What Can Disqualify You From Receiving Unemployment Benefits? By Alison Doyle Alison Doyle Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts. learn about our editorial policies Updated on December 7, 2022 In This Article View All In This Article Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits Unemployment Benefit Disqualifications Unemployment When You Quit Your Job Unemployment Benefits Disqualification and Job Search Requirements Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images Not all employees who lose their jobs are eligible for unemployment compensation. You need to meet your state’s qualification guidelines to collect benefits. There are reasons that your unemployment claim can be denied, and you can be disqualified from collecting unemployment. Each state determines who qualifies to receive unemployment compensation and what factors can disqualify you from collecting. Here's an overview of the guidelines for qualifying for unemployment and the circumstances that can disqualify a worker from receiving compensation when they are out of work. Key Takeaways Eligibility guidelines for unemployment include the length of employment, earnings, and the reason you lost your job.Workers may be disqualified from receiving unemployment if they quit a job, were terminated for cause, or didn't meet the time worked or earnings criteria.Each state determines what qualifies (and disqualifies) a worker from receiving unemployment benefits in that location.If your unemployment claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits The U.S. Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. If your reason for leaving your last job was something other than lack of work, a determination will be made by your state unemployment insurance agency regarding whether you are eligible for benefits. In addition, claimants must meet state eligibility requirements. These vary from state to state, but many of them are similar throughout the country. Note Because unemployment law varies by state, it is important to check with your state unemployment insurance agency for qualification and disqualification guidelines in your location. Unemployment Benefit Disqualifications Generally, to receive unemployment benefits, you need to meet guidelines related to your length of employment, earnings, classification as an employee, and the circumstances of losing your job. The following circumstances may disqualify you from collecting unemployment benefits: Insufficient earnings or length of employment. Eligibility for unemployment depends on your earnings during a designated base period, which is typically the past year. This also means you usually have to have worked for your employer for at least a year. Self-employed, or a contract or freelance worker. Independent contractors are technically self-employed, so they typically cannot receive unemployment benefits. However, during the coronavirus pandemic, benefits were extended to cover self-employed workers and independent contractors. Fired for justifiable cause. For example, if your employer alleges misconduct (such as violating a company policy) or some other inappropriate or illegal behavior leads to you being fired, you will likely not receive unemployment benefits. Quitting without good cause. The definition of “good cause” varies between states. However, common examples of quitting without good cause include leaving to get married or to attend school, or resigning because of a labor dispute (such as a strike). Another example of quitting without good cause is leaving simply because of dissatisfaction with the company or job. Providing false information. If any information in your unemployment paperwork is inaccurate, you might be disqualified from receiving benefits. Unemployment When You Quit Your Job In most cases, if you voluntarily quit your job, you are not eligible for unemployment. However, if you left due to good cause, you may be able to collect. What constitutes good cause is determined by your state unemployment office. However, typically, examples of leaving a job due to good cause include the following: Illness or emergency. This includes if a family member becomes ill, or if you have an illness and the employer does not accommodate your health problems. Abusive or unbearable working conditions. This can include sexual harassment or other unbearable situations that have not been resolved by the employer. This might also refer to your being asked to commit acts that are illegal or immoral. A safety concern. To qualify, your concern needs to be one that is not related to the nature of your job (such as the dangers of being a firefighter or police officer). For example, this might involve a piece of equipment that has injured you or your co-workers, and that the employer has not fixed. Losing any mode of transportation to work. For example, if you get into an accident and cannot afford to fix your car, this can qualify as good cause. The situation is the same if the public transportation you have to take to work shuts down. A drastic pay reduction. Typically, if you leave because of a significant pay decrease, you may be considered for unemployment benefits. The employer failed to honor an employment contract. If an employer fails to honor the terms of an employment contract, even after the issue is brought to his or her attention, this can qualify as good cause. Note Generally, to qualify as leaving due to good cause, you have to demonstrate that you tried to resolve the issue by other means before quitting. Unemployment Benefits Disqualification and Job Search Requirements You can also qualify for unemployment benefits initially, but later be disqualified after you start receiving them. This can happen if you are not actively looking for a job or if you refuse a job offer. To qualify for benefits, you need to be actively hunting for a job, and you will need to document your job search for your state unemployment office. Benefits can be denied if a claimant: Is not able to work or is not available for work. You must be able, ready, and willing to accept a suitable job.Refuses an offer of suitable work. Note Each state has its own guidelines, but, in general, "suitable work" means a job that offers wages comparable to what you have received in the past and whose duties are in line with your level of education and previous work experience. These rules vary by state, and you can usually lose benefits if you do not meet state guidelines. If this happens, the benefits you have been receiving will stop. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What can I do if my claim for unemployment benefits is denied? When your claim is denied, you should be provided with the reason for the denial and information on the appeal process. If you have filed an unemployment benefits claim and your claim is turned down or contested by your employer, you have the right to appeal the denial. You should be advised of how to proceed with an appeal when you receive the notice from the unemployment office. Can I receive unemployment if my employer terminates me immediately after I give notice? If you give notice, but the employer doesn't accept the notice and terminates your employment immediately, it is typically considered an involuntary termination, and you may qualify for benefits. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. Department of Labor. "State Unemployment Insurance Benefits." U.S. Department of Labor. "Benefit Denials." NOLO. "Unemployment Benefits: What If You Quit?"