Matter of Derfert (Commissioner of Labor)

# Court Rules Domestic Violence Fear Justifies Unemployment Benefits **What Happened** A woman left her job because she feared domestic violence. When she applied for unemployment benefits, the state's unemployment insurance board denied her claim, saying she was not available for work. **What the Court Decided** New York's appellate court reversed this decision. The court ruled that the woman was eligible for unemployment benefits. The judges found that leaving work due to fear of domestic violence is a "compelling family reason" that justifies unavailability for work under state labor law. **Why This Matters** This ruling protects workers who must leave employment due to domestic violence situations. It establishes that workers facing domestic violence can receive unemployment benefits while they address their safety concerns, without penalty. This decision recognizes that some reasons for leaving work—particularly those involving personal safety—are valid under unemployment law. Workers in similar situations now have legal grounds to pursue these benefits rather than being automatically denied.