Should I file an appeal/protest if I was denied unemployment for voluntarily quitting my job to relocate with my spouse out of state?
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Should I file an appeal/protest if I was denied unemployment for voluntarily quitting my job to relocate with my spouse out of state?
I was denied unemployment benefits due to voluntarily quitting my job to relocate with my spouse. While I understand unemployment law does not consider a “trailing a spouse” as a good cause, I feel that my extenuating circumstances should be considered. A) I worked for the USPS as a transitional employee (basically “at will”) no benefits, no guarantee of hours and a year to year contract that could be terminated at any time. I also tried to transfer but transfer is only for “career” employees. B) My husband is not an active service member but is under contract with the US Army.
Asked on February 9, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Arizona
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, unemployment insurance does not recognize "extenuating circumstances." It can't, since otherwise everyone would be eligible--everyone who resigns a job without having another one waiting for him or her, after all, has some good reason for doing it, be it stress, to care for a family member, or otherwise.
Arizona does, I believe, have a trailing spouse law or provision that allows unemployment for spouses of military personnel who are relocated. If your husband is in the military and was relocated by them, you may be eligible; but if he is, for example, a civilian contractor of the military, that would not help you.
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