Can I collect NYS Department of Labor unemployment if I quit my job to move to another state?
My husband got a job offer in Texas and we're planning to relocate in about 6 weeks. I've been working at my current company for 2 years but will obviously need to quit to move. Can I file for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor even though I'm voluntarily leaving? I've heard conflicting information about whether quitting for relocation counts as good cause. Has anyone been through this situation before?
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AstroAdventurer
Unfortunately, quitting your job to relocate generally doesn't qualify you for unemployment benefits in New York. NYS Department of Labor considers this a voluntary quit without good cause. Good cause usually means things like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties, or harassment - not personal reasons like moving.
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Carmen Lopez
•That's what I was afraid of. What if my employer doesn't have any remote work options? Would that make a difference?
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Andre Dupont
wait i thought if your spouse gets transferred for work that counts as good cause?? my sister moved to florida last year and got unemployment but maybe that was different
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Zoe Papanikolaou
•There are very specific circumstances where spousal relocation might qualify, but it's rare and depends on factors like military orders or company transfers. Most voluntary moves don't meet NYS Department of Labor's good cause requirements.
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Jamal Wilson
I went through something similar when I had to move for family reasons. NYS Department of Labor denied my claim initially because they said quitting to relocate wasn't good cause. You could try appealing if you think there are extenuating circumstances, but honestly the process is pretty strict about voluntary quits.
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Carmen Lopez
•Did you end up finding work in your new state quickly? I'm worried about the gap between jobs.
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Jamal Wilson
•It took me about 3 months to find something comparable. I'd definitely recommend having savings built up and maybe trying to line up interviews before you move.
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Mei Lin
This is so frustrating! The unemployment system is set up like people never have legitimate reasons to relocate. I had to quit my job last year to take care of my sick parent and NYS Department of Labor denied me too. The whole process is a nightmare and half the time you can't even get through to anyone on the phone to explain your situation.
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AstroAdventurer
•If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I've heard people mention using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help get through to an agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to discuss your specific circumstances.
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Liam Fitzgerald
Have you considered asking your employer about a layoff instead? Some companies will work with employees who are relocating, especially if they value you as an employee. It's worth having that conversation before you just quit outright.
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Victoria Brown
•@Liam Fitzgerald That s'actually a really good suggestion I hadn t'thought of! Even if they can t'officially lay me off, maybe they d'be willing to eliminate my position or restructure things in a way that would qualify. It s'definitely worth having an honest conversation with HR about my situation before I just resign.
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