Unemployment Insurance: It CAN Be Done!

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

...........if you quit your job, I mean. You have to have a compelling reason for doing so, but it's not an automatic disqualification, as I (and undoubtedly many others) have always believed.

I did have to fight for my benefits---my telephone hearing was yesterday, and they grilled me pretty good---but I got the news today that I won my case. I almost didn't even file, thinking that I'd never be able to get unemployment insurance since I'd quit instead of being terminated, but I figured the worst they could do was say No. I haven't received anything yet, but I should have 2 weeks' worth coming next week.........hallelujah, now I'll be able to make my house payment!!:hatparty:

I have to admit, I was getting a little stressed about all this.......we can't survive on dh's $231 a week UI benefits, but neither did I want to take another job out of sheer desperation! Now this will buy me some time to be a little more choosy about my next job; even if I get the case management position, it won't start until next month, and if I don't, well, the wolf won't be at the door just yet.

I was so afraid, when I was opening the envelope, that the decision wouldn't go my way.........but then it said "Claimant's reason for leaving work is justified" and "continued work in this capacity would have been detrimental to her health" and "she voluntarily left work with good cause". Ahhhhhhh..........the sweet smell of vindication.......... I'm glad I'm not the only one who knows it's crazy to keep abusing your body and mind by staying in a situation that's harming you. I'm sure my former boss was quite helpful in making my case as well; I knew the hospital wouldn't fight it, but I think she probably said basically the same things I did, and that had to have been what tipped the scales in my favor.

So, for all of you who are working jobs that are killing you, it IS possible to draw UI benefits if you quit. I am NOT one to advocate using government services unnecessarily, but God only knows how many nurses out there are working in terrible jobs, who would walk away if they only knew their families wouldn't have to starve to death while they looked for something else more suitable.:stone