No Benefit Restriction Even for 'Voluntary Resignation'? Checklist for Qualified Recipients for Specific Reasons
Are you thinking, 'I quit for personal reasons, so I have to wait 2 months for unemployment insurance...'?
In fact, depending on the reason for leaving, there is a system that allows you to receive unemployment insurance immediately without benefit restrictions, even if it is a 'voluntary resignation.' This is the certification of a 'Qualified Recipient for Specific Reasons.'
It is said that a significant number of people lose out every year because they do not know about this system.
In this article, I have organized the information so that you can check whether you qualify using a checklist format.
To begin with, what changes?
When certified as a Qualified Recipient for Specific Reasons, you receive preferential treatment in three areas compared to a normal voluntary resignation.
1. The benefit restriction period is eliminated.
For a normal voluntary resignation, there is a benefit restriction period of 1 month after application (3 months if you have resigned 3 or more times in 5 years).
In the case of a Qualified Recipient for Specific Reasons, you can receive benefits immediately after the 7-day waiting period passes.
2. The requirements for eligibility are relaxed.
Normally, you need '12 months or more of insured period in the 2 years prior to leaving,' but for a Qualified Recipient for Specific Reasons, you may be able to qualify if you have '6 months or more in the 1 year prior to leaving.'
3. The number of benefit days may be extended.
Voluntary resignation for a justifiable reason (Scope II described below) can receive benefits for up to 180 days, and non-renewal of contract (Scope I) can receive benefits for up to 330 days (depending on age and enrollment period).
Checklist: Do you qualify?
Qualified Recipients for Specific Reasons are broadly divided into two types: 'Scope I (Non-renewal of contract)' and 'Scope II (Voluntary resignation with a justifiable reason).'
Scope I: Leaving due to non-renewal of contract
This applies to those with fixed-term employment such as temporary or contract employees. You qualify if you meet all three of the following:
You were on a fixed-term labor contract (fixed-term contract).
The possibility of renewal or extension was clearly stated in the contract, such as 'may be renewed.'
You wished to renew, but an agreement could not be reached with the company, and the contract ended.
Note that if it was clearly stated from the beginning that there would be 'no renewal,' you do not qualify. Also, cases of non-renewal after 3 years of continuous service or cases with a notice of non-renewal may fall under the 'Qualified Recipient for Specific Reasons' category, which has even more generous benefit days.
Scope II: Voluntary resignation with a justifiable reason
Even if you requested to resign yourself, you may qualify if you meet any of the following:
Physical or health-related reasons
Cases where it is judged objectively difficult to continue working due to physical decline, mental or physical disability, illness, injury, or deterioration of vision, hearing, or touch. A doctor's medical certificate is required in principle. Depression, adjustment disorder, panic disorder, etc., can also be covered.
Leaving due to pregnancy, childbirth, or childcare
Cases where you left due to pregnancy, childbirth, or childcare (before elementary school age) and received an extension of the benefit period under the Employment Insurance Act. You can extend the benefit period for up to 4 years, and if you apply when you are in a state where you can work, you can receive benefits without benefit restrictions.
When family circumstances change suddenly
Cases where you were forced to resign due to a sudden change in family circumstances, such as needing to provide support due to the death, illness, or injury of a parent, or needing to provide constant nursing care for a relative.
When commuting becomes extremely difficult
This generally applies if your commute becomes two hours or more one way (four hours or more round trip) due to marriage, a spouse's job transfer, or moving. Proof documents include your resident record, a certificate of acceptance of marriage registration, or your spouse's job offer letter.
Moving to avoid violence (domestic abuse) from a spouse or relative
Cases where you resigned and moved to a new address to avoid living with a spouse after experiencing physical violence or equivalent verbal/behavioral abuse that caused harmful mental or physical effects.
Other resignations due to unavoidable circumstances
Depending on the situation, this may also include cases where you responded to a voluntary retirement program.
To those who 'quit because the overtime was too much to bear'
Resignation due to excessive overtime may qualify you as a 'specifically qualified recipient' rather than someone leaving for specific reasons. Specifically qualified recipients are treated the same as those laid off by the company, with a more generous benefit period of up to 330 days.
You may be certified as a specifically qualified recipient if you meet any of the following criteria:
You had over 45 hours of overtime in any three consecutive months within the six months prior to resignation
You had over 100 hours of overtime in a single month
You had an average of over 80 hours of overtime per month for two or more consecutive months
It is important to keep records that can prove your overtime hours, such as time cards or pay stubs.
Points to note for certification
It is Hello Work that decides whether you are a person leaving for specific reasons. Even if you judge yourself as 'eligible,' it is not automatically certified. The final decision is made after you bring objective proof documents during the application and undergo an interview at the counter.
A common mistake is signing the separation notice while the company has still listed it as 'voluntary resignation (4D).' While it is possible to file an objection after signing, the procedure becomes complicated.Make it a habit to check the 'reason for separation' section as soon as you receive your separation notice.
Also, if you are applying due to illness or injury, it is important to see a doctor and obtain a medical certificate before resigning. If you try to get a medical certificate after resigning without a history of medical visits, there are cases where it cannot be issued.
Summary
Before giving up and thinking 'it's my own fault because I resigned voluntarily,' take a moment to look back at your reasons for leaving. If it was due to unavoidable circumstances such as poor health, nursing care, moving, or non-renewal of a contract, you may be able to receive benefits without restrictions as a person leaving for specific reasons.
Consulting with Hello Work before you resign is the most reliable way to determine which category you fall into. Especially in cases where proof documents are required, it can be difficult to prepare them after you have already left, so we recommend taking action while you are still employed.
※ This article is intended for general information purposes, and whether or not you are certified depends on your individual situation. Please check with your local Hello Work for an accurate judgment. The number of benefit days and eligibility vary depending on age, reason for separation, and the duration of employment insurance coverage.
For those who want to know more about the similar system,
specifically qualified recipient, please look below.