I'm on a voluntary, unpaid, and employer-approved leave of absence since March 23 due to pandemic. On an advice of a friend, I filed for unemployment. If I don't qualify, would my employer get mad and hold it against me? Would I get in trouble with them other than me being denied benefits? I would really like to be able to return to my employer once the pandemic blows over.

[Have Hope]

Hi Ruby, I believe your employer has to officially "lay off" an employee in order to receive unemployment in the US. You cannot collect if it's voluntary, just like one typically cannot collect if they get fired, except for no fault of their own. I would ask your employer directly. You can also research unemployment eligibility in your state online through government websites.

I'm looking to return to the employer when pandemic blows over. I just don't wanna jeopardize that and idk if filing for unemployment gets me in trouble with employer or not.

And btw, who determines whether you get benefits or not? The state or the employer? ik the employer is notified when you file and given a 10 day protest period so i'm confused.

[Have Hope]

I would ask your employer if it's possible to receive unemployment benefits, and whether it would jeopardize your employment. That's the only way you will find out is by asking your employer directly rather than guess or assume. And also research unemployment eligibility in your state. It is my understanding that the government determines whether you are eligible. The employer has to contribute financially to unemployment benefits, but again, I would research eligibility criteria and other details for your own state because it varies per state in the U.S.

[divine1966]

You have to be officially furloughed or laid off by your employer to receive unemployment. You are on voluntary leave (employer approving your leave isn’t the same as a lay off, it’s just them saying ok you can leave). You can’t receive unemployment if you choose not to work (I entirely support you not working right now so I am not judging, just stating a fact).

More so they just called you and ask you to return to work, and you said no, not yet. I don’t see how would that qualify you for unemployment? Your manager would mention that you were asked to return.

If Ruby's on voluntary unpaid leave what does she live on if she can't claim unemployment? I am curious how it works in the USA

Edit. I see now she was askef back. I am not judging either, just wondering how it works

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by LonelyMan

If Ruby's on voluntary unpaid leave what does she live on if she can't claim unemployment? I am curious how it works in the USA

Edit. I see now she was askef back. I am not judging either, just wondering how it works

She lives with family. Plenty of people choose not to work, yet they aren’t starving. Someone else pays their bills. Usually family or significant others.

In her case I think she might be also on disability as she only works part time. So that’s that.

[ArtleyWilkins]

You have to have been furloughed or laid off in order to qualify for unemployment benefits. You voluntarily asked not to work a job that is still available to you; I doubt you will qualify for unemployment under that circumstance.

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by ArtleyWilkins

You have to have been furloughed or laid off in order to qualify for unemployment benefits. You voluntarily asked not to work a job that is still available to you; I doubt you will qualify for unemployment under that circumstance.

She won’t. Especially if she was asked to come back, and she declined