If you quit a job in Texas you can still get unemployment benefits under these conditions

Quitting a job normally means you can’t claim unemployment, but there are some exceptions to the rule in Texas. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, you can still qualify for unemployment if you quit for good cause.

TWC defines good cause as leaving a job for a compelling reason, one that would have caused someone who truly wanted to keep the job to quit.

Here are some examples, according to Amsberry law firm.

• Unsafe working conditions that your employer failed to address
• Significant changes in the hiring agreement
• To relocate with a military spouse

How to apply for Texas unemployment benefits for good cause

Good cause is determined on a case-by-case basis. Experts at Allmand Law recommend documenting as much as you can to prove that you had substantial grounds to quit or that your employer’s actions forced you to quit, to support a good cause claim.

To apply for unemployment benefits, call 800-939-6631 or file online. You may be eligible for benefits if you quit for one of the reasons listed below:

Quitting for good cause means being able to present evidence that you tried to remedy work-related issues before leaving. Examples include well-documented instances of:

• Working conditions that are not safe
• Parts of a hiring agreement that have change considerably
• Having to fight to get paid what was agreed upon or not getting paid at all

Quitting for reasons other than work. Some examples:

• Not being able to work because of illness or injury
• Being a caretaker for a minor child who is sick
• Being the sole caregiver for a dying spouse
• Being the subject of sexual assault, family violence or stalking
• The job is not considered suitable under Section 20 after entering training
• You moved with your military spouse

Quitting to move with military spouse when it is not part of a qualifying military permanent change of station (PCS). You may be eligible for benefits but you will be disqualified for 6 to 25 weeks, depending on the situation. Your maximum benefit amount is also reduced by the number of disqualified weeks.

This story was originally published May 4, 2024 at 8:55 AM.