Unemployment if you quit or were fired in Nebraska
The state's rules for quitting and for being fired are different. This page gives the state's own words.
All about unemployment in Nebraska
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Quit, fired or refused work
If you quit
If you quit without good cause, you are disqualified. Nebraska law lists reasons that count as good cause, but the list is not complete.
Examples the state names:
- Escaping abuse at work or abuse between household members, after making all reasonable efforts to keep the job
- A bona fide illness or injury not connected to work that kept you from continuing safely
- Going with your spouse to the spouse's job in another city or a new military duty station
- Your employer required you to relocate
- Accepting a voluntary layoff to avoid bumping another worker
- Being directed to perform an illegal act
- Unlawful discrimination or workplace harassment based on race, sex, age, or military or veteran status
- Unsafe working conditions
- Leaving to attend school
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition, after making all reasonable efforts to keep the job
If you were fired
If you were fired for misconduct connected with your work, you are disqualified for the week of the firing and the next 14 weeks. The employer has the burden of proving misconduct. For gross, flagrant and willful or unlawful misconduct, you lose all wage credits from before the firing; for being under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs at work, you lose the wage credits from that employer.
If benefits are denied for the separation
Quitting without good cause: no benefits until you earn at least four times your weekly benefit amount in insured work and then leave that job for a non-disqualifying reason. Misconduct: the week of discharge plus 14 weeks.
Refusing work
Failing to apply for or accept suitable work without good cause can disqualify you.
Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. secs. 48-628.10, 48-628.12, 48-628.13
Official source: Source page
You usually must be unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states this means you lost your job because there was not enough work.
Able, available and looking for work
Job contacts per week: 5
Each week you must do five reemployment activities, and at least two must be applications for suitable work. Other activities include NDOL reemployment sessions, job searches on job banks, resume classes, job clubs, meeting a career counselor, networking events, pre-employment exams and calling employers to arrange interviews. Your NEworks resume must stay online.
Records to keep
Log your reemployment activities in NEworks, with proof such as the website and date searched or the date and job applied for.
Law: Neb. Rev. Stat. sec. 48-627(1)
Official source: Source page
To be paid for a week, you must be able to work, available to work and actively seeking work.
Law: 42 U.S.C. 503(a)(12)
Noncitizens
What the state says
Non-citizens must show they had satisfactory immigration status and were allowed to work in the United States when they earned the wages used for the claim. Have your employment authorization number and expiration date ready when you file.
Common reasons for a denial and what federal law says →
Free help
Call 402-458-2500. Legal aid and other free help in Nebraska → Official sources →
More questions about unemployment in Nebraska
Can I get unemployment in Nebraska if I quit?
If you quit without good cause, you are disqualified. Nebraska law lists reasons that count as good cause, but the list is not complete.
Can I get unemployment in Nebraska if I was fired?
If you were fired for misconduct connected with your work, you are disqualified for the week of the firing and the next 14 weeks. The employer has the burden of proving misconduct.