Justified Cause to Quit Employment in Ohio

You need a justified cause for leaving employment to claim benefits in Ohio.

In September 2010, the rate of unemployment in Ohio stood at 10 percent, 0.4 percent higher than the national average. Many of these people will turn to state unemployment benefits to help with their living costs but will receive nothing without a good reason for leaving their last job, according to Ohio Labor Market Information.

Definition

Under Ohio law, a "just cause" is defined as an action that any ordinary person would do under similar circumstances. A just cause for quitting employment is necessary if an individual wishes to claim any unemployment benefits in Ohio.

Examples

Examples of a just cause for quitting employment include dangerous working conditions, not having legally required equipment to carry out a job, violation of accepted moral or legal standards or an employer's refusal to adhere to conditions of the hiring agreement. If an employee could not physically carry out the work and gave his employer a medical certificate and time to find a replacement, this would be judged as a just cause for quitting, according to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.

Evidence

Whatever the reason for leaving a job, an individual must be able to provide evidence to show that it was a just cause. If an individual makes a claim for unemployment benefits, the law states that the agency may contact her most recent employer to obtain any necessary information for processing the claim.

References

• Ohio: Labor Market Information
• ODJFS: Unemployment Compensation FAQs

Resources

• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services