My husband and I claimed our state-to-state move in our tax return. Can one of us get unemployment benefits?

Question

We moved from one state to another for a better employment opportunity for my husband. Unfortunately, I had to quit my job to follow him (In other words, I was the tag-along). Now I'm wondering if I could apply for unemployment benefits even though we will claim the moving costs in our tax return. I have read that you can't apply for unemployment benefits if you claim your moving costs on the tax return, but, does that rule apply to both spouses or just the one who's moving with a job (not the tag-along)?

Answer 1

I assume from your question that your husband IS working at the new location.

Go ahead and apply - you don't have anything to lose by applying. You might or might not be eligible - it might be considered just a voluntary quit, but might be considered unavoidable due to your spouse's new job. Give it a show, but don't be real surprised if you get turned down.

Answer 2

This has nothing to do with claiming moving expenses on your income tax return. Unemployment is a state issue but generally you would not be able to collect because you quit rather than being laid off. You would be wise to call your new states unemployment office.

Answer 3

Nope. If you quit a job to change locations there is no unemployment insurance coverage.

Answer 4

You can only claim unemployment if you are terminated, not if you quit.