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Resignation usually disqualifies you from UIF, but there are important exceptions. Learn when a resignation may still allow a claim.
Last updated: 2025-01-15
One of the most common UIF questions is whether you can claim after resigning. The short answer is usually no – UIF is designed for people who lose their income involuntarily. But the rules are not absolute, and certain situations are treated differently.
This article explains the general rule, the exceptions, and what to do if you believe your resignation should still qualify.
If you voluntarily resign, you generally cannot claim unemployment benefits, because you chose to end your employment. The UI19 termination code for resignation (code 5) normally leads to a rejection of an unemployment claim.
Even if you cannot claim unemployment benefits after resigning, your accumulated credits remain and can be used if you later lose a job involuntarily.
If you resigned because your employer made continued employment intolerable, this may be treated as constructive dismissal rather than a voluntary resignation. You would typically need a CCMA finding to support this.
Resignation only affects unemployment claims. You may still be able to claim maternity, illness or adoption benefits if you qualify on those grounds.
Usually not. Voluntary resignation is normally recorded as termination code 5, which does not qualify for unemployment benefits.
If you can show constructive dismissal – often via a CCMA process – your claim may be reconsidered. Keep evidence of the circumstances that led to your resignation.
No. Your accumulated credit days remain and can be used for a future involuntary loss of employment.
Resigning usually means you cannot claim UIF unemployment benefits, but exceptions like constructive dismissal exist, and other benefit types are unaffected. If your resignation was forced, gather evidence and consider the CCMA. When in doubt, speak to a labour office before assuming you do not qualify.