Generally, no, you cannot get unemployment benefits in Hawaii if you voluntarily quit your job, unless you meet specific criteria for "good cause" relating to your work.
Understanding Unemployment Benefits When Quitting in Hawaii
In Hawaii, if you resign from your employment, you are typically disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. This rule is in place to ensure benefits are provided to those who are unemployed through no fault of their own. However, there is a crucial exception to this general disqualification for individuals who quit for good cause relating to their work.
The "Good Cause" Exception
You may still be eligible for unemployment benefits even after quitting if you can demonstrate that you had "good cause" relating to your work for leaving your job. This exception acknowledges that certain compelling circumstances may force an employee to resign.
Defining "Good Cause" for Quitting
As per Hawaii's unemployment guidelines, "good cause" for quitting a job is generally understood to mean:
- A real, substantial, and compelling reason to quit.
- A reason that would have caused a reasonable worker who genuinely wanted to keep the job to do the same.
This means the reason for your departure must be significant and directly tied to your employment, making it unreasonable to expect you to continue working.
Unemployment Eligibility for Quitting in Hawaii
The table below summarizes the general rules for unemployment benefit eligibility in Hawaii when you quit your job:
| Scenario | Unemployment Benefits Eligibility in Hawaii | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Quit (General Case) | No | If you voluntarily leave your job without a work-related "good cause," you will be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. |
| Voluntary Quit with "Good Cause" | Potentially Yes | If you quit your job due to a real, substantial, and compelling reason relating to your work, which would have caused a reasonable worker who genuinely wanted to keep the job to do the same, you may be eligible. |
Key Considerations for Applicants
- Burden of Proof: If you quit your job in Hawaii, the responsibility will be on you to prove to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) that your decision to leave was for good cause related to your work.
- Case-by-Case Evaluation: Each unemployment claim is evaluated individually, taking into account the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your departure.
- Disqualification without Good Cause: Without a demonstrable good cause related to your employment, you will typically be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits.
