Unemployment After Quitting in Pennsylvania
When quitting a job in Pennsylvania still qualifies for unemployment, and what counts as good cause.
Short answer: If you quit without a cause of a "necessitous and compelling nature," you are ineligible. You have to prove the reason was real and substantial, left you no other choice, and that you made a reasonable effort to keep the job before quitting. 43 P.S. § 802(b) (UC Law Section 402(b)); PA L&I Benefit Guide, Eligibility Information
| If you quit | If you quit without a cause of a "necessitous and compelling nature," you are ineligible. You have to prove the reason was real and substantial, left you no other choice, and that you made a reasonable effort to keep the job before quitting. Quitting to go to school generally does not count, except for approved Trade Act (TRA) training. |
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| Appealing a denial | You must appeal within 21 days from the date the determination was mailed. File the appeal online, by mail to the UC Mail Processing Unit - Claimant Appeals in Harrisburg, or by fax to 855-728-2329. A referee holds a hearing. Keep filing for benefits while your appeal is pending. |
Where to get help in Pennsylvania
More Pennsylvania unemployment benefits
- Logging In to Your Pennsylvania Unemployment Claim
- Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Pennsylvania
- Unemployment After Being Fired in Pennsylvania
- How Much Unemployment Pays in Pennsylvania
- How to File for Unemployment in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania unemployment benefits rules
FAQ
Can you get unemployment if you quit in Pennsylvania?
If you quit without a cause of a "necessitous and compelling nature," you are ineligible. You have to prove the reason was real and substantial, left you no other choice, and that you made a reasonable effort to keep the job before quitting. Quitting to go to school generally does not count, except for approved Trade Act (TRA) training.
How do I appeal an unemployment denial in Pennsylvania?
You must appeal within 21 days from the date the determination was mailed. File the appeal online, by mail to the UC Mail Processing Unit - Claimant Appeals in Harrisburg, or by fax to 855-728-2329. A referee holds a hearing. Keep filing for benefits while your appeal is pending.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.