Thread regarding AT&T layoffs

I was laid off with severance a few years ago and deferred my severance until March the following year. Because I had not received the severance yet, and I was laid off, I was able to claim and get unemployment.

It is possible to get unemployment for a voluntary quit. I did it, quit/retired due to the health benefits being taken away.
I live in California, and once I applied, I had to wait a few weeks for an interview with EDD, explained the circumstances, might have taken a short time and later I got Unemployment.

So, quit for good reason, like a material change in employment conditions, unemployment may be possible. Quit because you don't feel like working, well you are very unlikely to get unemployment benefits, probably guaranteed not to get benefits.

Short answer, no you aren't getting pennies if you quit.
Medium answer, depends, but probably not.
Long answer, see @a5 (TLDR BTW), though it still won't give you a clear answer without a lot more details about your specific circumstance.

Moral of the story is, don't quit until you have another job.

Somebody hates freedom!

Get the f&$! outta here!!!

Location and circumstances all matter to reach an answer.

In my state, if someone quits due to a program of force reduction involving an incentive to quit, such as a package, they can collect.

The other general reason is a quit due to good cause attributable to the employer.

Nope. You left on your own.

It depends on what state you live in. But yes I have known people who quit & were able to collect & others who received severance & collected, all in NJ.

See this but read replies:
@OP+IMCr9Oj

Multiple replies confirmed that severance typically doesn’t disqualify a person from benefits, and volunteering for layoff under EOI is still considered a layoff, not quitting, so benefits should still apply. Users advised filing immediately, keeping detailed weekly job contact logs (even if not applying), and complying with state rules like CalJOBS registration and REA meetings. Some humorous and off-topic comments appeared, but most responses encouraged prompt filing, rule compliance, and appealing if initially denied.

Also this:
@OP+1jmas6cp6

This thread: Multiple users warn that taking the voluntary resignation offer means you likely won’t qualify for unemployment benefits, while being laid off does qualify you. Read comments.

Also here:
@OP+1rMxACj2

This thread discusses whether giving notice at Charles Schwab affects unemployment eligibility. While some users say Schwab may end your employment immediately if you resign, others clarify that if you're paid through your notice period, you likely won’t qualify for unemployment. Only if you're terminated without cause and not paid might you be eligible. Exceptions exist (like health or relocation), but in most cases, quitting voluntarily makes you ineligible for unemployment benefits.

Another one here:
@OP+1sS0uScl

most users say you generally can’t collect unemployment if you take the Voluntary Separation Package (VSP), since it's considered quitting. However, some point out that Massachusetts may allow it in certain cases, especially if the separation was employer-driven or coerced. Ultimately, eligibility depends on the state, and severance pay may delay but not always disqualify benefits.

In most circumstances, individuals who voluntarily quit their jobs are not eligible for unemployment benefits. The unemployment insurance system is primarily designed to assist those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, such as a layoff.

However, as the quote accurately states, there are exceptions to this rule. If an individual can demonstrate they had "good cause" for leaving their employment, they may still qualify for benefits. The specific reasons considered "good cause" and the requirements to prove them vary by state.

The exceptions listed in the quote are widely recognized "good cause" reasons in many states:

• Health Issues: If a medical condition, supported by a doctor's recommendation, necessitates leaving a job, it can be considered a valid reason. This can include both physical and mental health issues.
• Unsafe Working Conditions: Employees may be eligible for benefits if they can prove their workplace was hazardous and that they took reasonable steps to ask their employer to rectify the situation before quitting.
• Spousal Relocation: In many states, if a spouse or registered domestic partner relocates for a new job, the other partner who quits to maintain the family unit may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
• Harassment or Discrimination: Leaving a job due to ongoing harassment or discrimination that the employer failed to address after being notified can be considered "good cause."
• Substantial Change in Job Duties or Pay: A significant, unilateral, and negative change to the terms of employment by the employer, such as a drastic reduction in pay or a fundamental alteration of job responsibilities, can justify quitting.

It is crucial to note that each state's unemployment office independently reviews claims. To be successful, the individual quitting must provide thorough documentation and evidence to support their reason for leaving. This can include medical records, correspondence with the employer, or other relevant proof. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the specific state's unemployment agency to understand the local rules and eligibility requirements.

You can see more info on this topic here:

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/unemployment-benefits-when-quit-32450.html

This text is an informative guide about unemployment benefits when you quit your job, published by Nolo and written by Lisa Guerin, J.D. It explains that while unemployment benefits are typically for people laid off or fired without serious misconduct, some people who quit can still qualify—but only under certain conditions.

The article outlines the legal concept of “good cause” for quitting, which varies by state. It lists situations that may qualify as good cause, such as:

• - Constructive discharge (e.g., harassment, dangerous conditions, illegal demands)
• - Medical reasons (especially job-related health issues)
• - Firm job offers that fall through
• - Domestic violence
• - Caring for a seriously ill family member
• - Spousal relocation or military transfer

It emphasizes that eligibility depends on your state’s laws, and sometimes you may face a waiting period before collecting benefits. The article encourages contacting your state’s unemployment agency or a legal professional for help.

In certain instances, it is possible.

That's not how unemployment benefits work.

Bless your heart.