Unemployment if you quit or were fired in Utah
The state's rules for quitting and for being fired are different. This page gives the state's own words.
All about unemployment in Utah
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Quit, fired or refused work
If you quit
If you quit without good cause, you cannot get benefits until you work in covered employment again and earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount. You may not be denied if a disqualification would be contrary to equity and good conscience; DWS looks at how reasonable your actions were and whether you remain attached to the labor market.
Examples the state names:
- Leaving to go with a spouse in the U.S. armed forces who is relocated on a full-time assignment of at least 180 days
If you were fired
Being fired does not by itself stop benefits. You are disqualified if DWS finds you were fired for just cause, or for a deliberate, willful or wanton act against the employer's rightful interest. If you were fired for dishonesty that is a crime, or a felony or class A misdemeanor connected with your work, you are disqualified for that week and the next 51 weeks, and those wages are removed from your claim.
If benefits are denied for the separation
Quit without good cause or fired for just cause: no benefits until you earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount in covered work.
Refusing work
Failing without good cause to apply for, interview for, accept a referral to, or accept suitable work stops benefits until you earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount. Not accepting an offer within three business days counts as refusing it.
Law: Utah Code sec. 35A-4-405(1)-(3)
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: 4
Unless DWS tells you otherwise, make at least four new full-time job contacts each week (Sunday to Saturday), even if you work part time or go to school. A new contact is an employer you have not contacted before, or a new opening at an employer you contacted before. Just looking at a website does not count; you must send an application or resume. You may also have to complete workshops or a Re-Employment Services and Eligibility Assessment.
Records to keep
Keep a detailed record of each contact: date, company and job number, address, phone, email or web link, position, how you applied and the result. Keep email confirmations. DWS audits claims and does eligibility reviews.
Law: Utah Code sec. 35A-4-403
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)
Common reasons for a denial and what federal law says →
Free help
Call 801-526-4400. Legal aid and other free help in Utah → Official sources →
More questions about unemployment in Utah
Can I get unemployment in Utah if I quit?
If you quit without good cause, you cannot get benefits until you work in covered employment again and earn at least 6 times your weekly benefit amount. You may not be denied if a disqualification would be contrary to equity and good conscience; DWS looks at how reasonable your actions were and whether you remain attached to the labor market.
Can I get unemployment in Utah if I was fired?
Being fired does not by itself stop benefits. You are disqualified if DWS finds you were fired for just cause, or for a deliberate, willful or wanton act against the employer's rightful interest.