Domestic Violence Victims and Unemployment Insurance

Currently, 21 states regulate the receipt of unemployment compensation for domestic-abuse victims.


See list of these states in this link --

http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=13334

State Unemployment Laws for Domestic-Violence Victims


Here are the state laws:

California, Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New
York and North Carolina: Victims can quit their jobs to protect themselves or their children from domestic violence and receive UI benefits.

Colorado: People who quit their jobs due to domestic abuse can obtain benefits if they can document the abuse.

Hawaii: Allows unpaid leave of absence when employee (or minor child) is a domestic-abuse victim.

Montana: Domestic violence victims are eligible to receive UI benefits.

New Hampshire: Allows for UI benefits if employee leaves work to escape domestic violence by relocating, or after attempting to return and the employer is unable to rehire the person.

New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin: In certain circumstances, domestic-abuse victims earn UI after quitting
a job.

Oregon: Allows domestic-violence victims to collect benefits if health, safety or welfare would be endangered at current or available workplaces.

South Carolina: Provides UI benefits to people unemployed directly as a result of domestic abuse.

Washington: Allows UI benefits for victims of domestic abuse or stalking.

Wyoming: Allows UI benefits for employees forced to leave work due to documented domestic violence.

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures


There may be additional states that have been added to the list and updated amendments on eligibility. Check with your UI office on this. Since domestic violence victims may need assistance in advocating for their rights, it would be helpful if these victims had an ally to go with them to the UI office to apply.

Also, if you have questions, you can email National Employment Law Project at

http://www.nelp.org/index.php/content/content_about_us/staff_list/
(select a staff member listing their e-mail address)