Unemployment Benefits
Idaho Code § 72-1366 — able, available, five work search actions a week, and no quitting without good cause
- A claim made, with the information eligibility needs.
- Registration for work, and reporting as the director prescribes.
- Enough wages in the base period.
- Each week claimed, able to work, available for suitable work and making at least five work search actions.
Quitting and firing. Benefits are denied where the person left work voluntarily without good cause connected with the job, or was discharged for workplace misconduct connected with it. On a discharge, the employer carries the burden of showing misconduct.
Good cause connected with the job arises from the working conditions, the tasks or the employment agreement, and is judged by whether a reasonable person would find the reasons real, substantial and compelling. A health condition that makes the work impossible counts, and so does unlawful harassment.
Seven days to take suitable work. Failing without good cause to apply for suitable work, or to accept it within seven days of an offer, also costs benefits. The longer a person is unemployed, the more willing they must be to take other kinds of work at lower pay.
A short illness after filing, of no more than four weeks, does not by itself defeat the work search requirement. A particular claim is a question for the Idaho Department of Labor or a licensed Idaho attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Idaho Code § 72-1366 — Personal eligibility conditions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Idaho attorney.