Before proceeding, please review the  legal disclaimer.

Will I Get Unemployment If I Quit? (Texas Guide 2025)

Quitting a job is a big decision. Maybe the workplace became toxic, your hours were cut, or the stress became too much. Or maybe you had no choice because your employer was treating you unfairly.

And naturally, one of the first questions that comes to mind is:

“If I quit, can I still get unemployment?”

The short answer in Texas?
Sometimes — but only under specific circumstances.

Texas doesn’t make unemployment available just because you left voluntarily. But there are situations where quitting is considered “for good cause,” meaning you may still qualify.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know before making a decision.

Understanding How Unemployment Works in Texas

Unemployment benefits are designed for workers who lose their job through no fault of their own.

So generally:

• If you’re fired without misconduct → you may qualify

• If you’re laid off → you qualify

• If you quit voluntarily → you likely do not qualify

But Texas law includes several important exceptions.

When You Can Get Unemployment After Quitting

Texas may approve unemployment benefits if you quit for “good cause connected with your work.”

That means the work conditions, environment, or employer actions were so unreasonable that a typical employee would have felt forced to resign.

Here are situations where quitting may still qualify you for benefits:

1. Unsafe or Dangerous Working Conditions

Example:
Your job became physically unsafe, and your employer ignored requests to fix the problem.

This includes:

• Risks of injury

• Lack of safety equipment

• Exposure to harmful chemicals

• Dangerous job-site conditions

You must show that:

• Conditions were unsafe, and

• You notified the employer and gave them a chance to correct it

2. Workplace Harassment or Hostile Work Environment

If you were being harassed, discriminated against, or bullied and your employer refused to take action, you may have a valid claim.

Examples include:

• Sexual harassment

• Racial or gender discrimination

• Retaliation for reporting illegal behavior

• Hostile treatment from supervisors

Documentation helps — emails, complaints, HR reports, witness statements.

3. Significant Change in Job Duties or Pay

You may qualify if your employer:

• Cut your pay dramatically

• Reduced your hours significantly

• Changed your job duties in a major way

• Moved you to a different location much further away

For unemployment to apply, the change must be substantial — not minor or temporary.

4. Medical Reasons (When the Employer Cannot Accommodate You)

Quitting due to medical issues may qualify if:

• Your doctor recommended you stop working, and

• Your employer could not provide reasonable accommodations

This includes mental health conditions.

You’ll need medical documentation.

5. Domestic Violence Situations

Texas allows unemployment benefits when someone quits because:

• They are fleeing a domestic violence situation

• Continuing to work places them in danger

You may need protective orders or police reports, but these are reviewed privately.

6. Being Asked to Perform Illegal or Unethical Acts

If your employer demanded that you participate in illegal, fraudulent, or unethical conduct, quitting is considered reasonable.

You must show evidence that you refused and reported the issue.

When You Cannot Get Unemployment After Quitting

You generally won’t qualify if you quit because of:

• Personality conflicts

• Feeling overworked or stressed

• Not liking the job

• Deciding to change careers

• Moving for personal reasons

• Attending school

• Transportation issues (unless caused by employer)

These are considered personal reasons, not employer-caused circumstances.

The Most Important Thing: You Must Try to Fix the Problem First

Texas requires you to make a reasonable effort to resolve the issue before quitting.
This may include:

• Reporting the issue to HR

• Filing a complaint with management

• Requesting accommodations

• Asking for schedule adjustments

• Giving written notice of the problem

If you quit without giving the employer a chance to fix things, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) may deny your claim.

How the Texas Workforce Commission Decides Cases

The TWC will look at:

1. Why you quit

2. Whether the reason was connected to your job

3. Whether a reasonable person would have quit in that situation

4. What steps you took before resigning

5. Supporting evidence

Every case is different. Even when workers have strong reasons, benefits may be denied unless documentation backs it up.

Should You Put Your Reason for Quitting in Writing?

YES.
Providing a written resignation that clearly states the reason can help significantly during the unemployment process.

For example:

• “I am resigning due to unsafe work conditions that were reported on (date).”

• “I am resigning due to ongoing harassment that HR did not address.”

• “My doctor advised me to stop working due to medical limitations.”

A vague resignation letter (“I’m leaving for personal reasons”) makes it harder to win your case.

Can Your Employer Fight Your Unemployment Claim?

Yes.
Employers often contest unemployment claims to keep their insurance rates from rising.

But if you have:

• Clear documentation

• A reasonable explanation

• Evidence that the employer failed to act

…you may still win your claim even if your employer objects.

Should You Quit Before Talking to a Lawyer?

Ideally, no.

Speaking with an employment lawyer before resigning can help you:

• Understand your options

• Protect your rights

• Strengthen your unemployment claim

• Avoid legal mistakes

• Document issues the right way

• Explore whether you actually have a stronger claim (retaliation, discrimination, constructive discharge, etc.)

A short consultation can save you from losing benefits you may be entitled to.

Final Takeaway: You May Get Unemployment If You Quit — But Only in Certain Cases

You can get unemployment benefits after quitting only if you had no reasonable alternative and the reason was connected to your job — not personal preferences.

You may qualify if you quit due to:

• Unsafe working conditions

• Harassment or discrimination

• A major change in pay, schedule, or duties

• Medical limitations

• Domestic violence

• Employer misconduct

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, talking to an employment lawyer can give you clarity and help you take the right next step.