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Amina Diallo

Can you get unemployment if you quit your job in MA? DUA eligibility questions

I'm in a really toxic work environment and my mental health is suffering badly. My supervisor has been making my life hell for months and I'm at my breaking point. I keep wondering 'can you get unemployment if you quit' because I don't think I can handle staying much longer. Does DUA in Massachusetts have any exceptions for quitting due to hostile work conditions? I've been at this job for 2 years and really need the income but I'm scared I'll be disqualified if I leave voluntarily. Has anyone successfully gotten UI benefits after quitting for similar reasons?

GamerGirl99

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Massachusetts DUA does allow benefits if you quit for 'good cause attributable to the employer.' Hostile work environment can qualify, but you need solid documentation. Save emails, texts, witness statements - anything that proves the toxic conditions. You also need to show you tried to resolve it internally first, like talking to HR or your supervisor's boss.

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Amina Diallo

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Thank you! I haven't documented much yet but I can start now. What if HR is part of the problem though? They've been dismissive when I've brought up concerns before.

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I quit my last job due to harassment and got approved for DUA benefits. The key is proving you had no reasonable alternative. Document EVERYTHING - dates, times, what was said, who was present. File complaints with HR even if they suck, because DUA wants to see you tried all options before quitting.

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How long did the adjudication take? I'm thinking about quitting too but worried about the wait time for a decision.

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Mine took about 6 weeks total. They had to interview me, my former supervisor, and HR. Be prepared for a thorough investigation - they don't just take your word for it.

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Malik Jenkins

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been there, done that. toxic workplaces are the WORST and dua knows it. you just gotta prove your case was legit and not just 'i didn't like my boss.' make sure you file complaints first so theres a paper trail

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Amina Diallo

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Did you end up quitting? I'm just so worried about being without income while waiting for a decision.

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If you're having trouble getting through to DUA to ask about your specific situation, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach someone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/ok4BhTU0_EI that shows how it works. I was stuck trying to get answers about my adjudication for weeks before finding them. Might be worth checking out if you need to speak to an actual DUA agent about quit scenarios.

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Eduardo Silva

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Never heard of that service but honestly anything that helps get through to DUA sounds amazing. Their phone lines are impossible.

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Leila Haddad

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ugh the system is SO rigged against workers!!! employers can fire you for basically anything but god forbid you try to protect your mental health by leaving a toxic situation. even if you 'win' the appeal it takes forever and you're broke in the meantime. sorry not helpful but just venting because this whole thing is frustrating

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GamerGirl99

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I understand the frustration, but Massachusetts actually has pretty worker-friendly quit provisions compared to many states. The key is understanding how to present your case properly to DUA.

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Whatever you do, don't just walk out without notice. DUA looks at whether you acted reasonably. Give proper notice, document why you're leaving, and make sure you've exhausted other options like requesting a transfer or accommodations.

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Eduardo Silva

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same boat here! my workplace has been unbearable since they hired this new manager. following this thread because i need to know my options too

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Sarah Ali

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I went through something similar last year - toxic manager making work unbearable. Here's what I learned: Massachusetts has a "constructive dismissal" concept where if conditions are so bad that any reasonable person would quit, it can qualify as good cause. Keep detailed records of incidents, including dates/times/witnesses. Also look into whether your workplace has violated any labor laws - that strengthens your case significantly. Consider consulting with an employment attorney for a free consultation before you quit. They can help you understand if your situation meets the legal threshold and advise on the best way to document everything. Your mental health matters, but having a solid plan will give you the best shot at getting benefits approved.

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This is really helpful advice! I didn't know about the "constructive dismissal" concept. How do you find employment attorneys who offer free consultations? And did you end up quitting your job or were you able to work things out? I'm trying to weigh all my options before making such a big decision.

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Edwards Hugo

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I was in a very similar situation and successfully got UI benefits after quitting due to workplace harassment. The documentation piece is absolutely critical - I kept a detailed journal with dates, times, what happened, and any witnesses present. Also saved screenshots of nasty emails and texts from my supervisor. When I applied, I made sure to emphasize that I had tried multiple internal solutions first (HR complaints, requesting different shifts, etc.) before quitting became my only option. DUA approved my claim because I could prove the work environment was genuinely hostile and not just a personality conflict. Start documenting NOW if you haven't already - even if you decide not to quit, having that record could be valuable. Your mental health is important and Massachusetts does recognize that toxic workplaces can force people to leave. Feel free to ask if you want more specifics about the process!

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Dmitry Volkov

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This is exactly the kind of detailed advice I needed to hear! Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm definitely going to start keeping that journal right away - I wish I had started documenting things months ago when this all began. Can I ask what kind of timeline you experienced from when you quit to when you got your first benefit payment? I'm trying to plan financially for potentially being without income during the adjudication process. Also, did DUA contact your former employer during their investigation, and if so, how did that go? I'm a bit nervous about potential retaliation even after leaving.

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Mei Liu

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I'm going through something very similar right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! My situation involves a supervisor who's been creating a hostile work environment through constant criticism, unreasonable demands, and what I can only describe as bullying behavior. Reading everyone's experiences gives me hope that there might be a way out that doesn't leave me completely without income. I've already started documenting incidents after reading the advice here - wish I'd known to do this sooner. Has anyone dealt with a situation where the toxic behavior is more subtle/psychological rather than obvious harassment? I'm worried DUA might not see my case as strong enough since there aren't any explicitly offensive emails or clear-cut violations, just a pattern of behavior that's making me dread going to work every day.

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Omar Fawzi

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I can definitely relate to the subtle psychological harassment - it's actually more common than you might think and DUA does recognize these patterns. In cases like yours, focus on documenting the cumulative effect rather than individual incidents. Keep track of unreasonable deadlines, excessive criticism compared to other employees, exclusion from meetings or opportunities, and any changes in your work conditions that seem targeted. Also note physical symptoms you're experiencing (stress, sleep issues, anxiety) as these show the impact on your wellbeing. The key is showing a pattern of behavior that would make any reasonable person want to leave. Consider getting statements from coworkers who've witnessed the treatment, even if they're subtle about it. Sometimes the "death by a thousand cuts" approach is actually stronger than a single dramatic incident because it shows sustained hostile conditions.

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