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Wait, so if a company lays people off because of tariffs, does that qualify for unemployment? I thought there might be some kind of trade-related assistance program instead? I'm so confused about all these different benefit types and what applies when.
Been through this 3 times with plant closures. The dread comes from knowing that factory shutdowns create a flood of claims all at once, which overwhelms the system. Plus manufacturing workers often have complex situations - shift differentials, overtime calculations, health insurance continuations through union plans. NYS Department of Labor has to verify all of that before approving benefits.
The older workers probably remember when the system was even worse. These days it's actually not terrible if you stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements. Just make sure you're logging your job search activities properly in the system.
Don't get your hopes up too high. The whole unemployment system is designed to make it as hard as possible to actually get benefits. They'll find any excuse to deny your claim or make you jump through hoops. I know people who worked for years and still got denied for stupid technicalities.
The percentage thing is misleading because it depends on your work pattern. I worked seasonal jobs so my high quarter was way different than my low quarters. Got way less than 50% of what I thought I'd get. NYS Department of Labor really needs better calculators on their website.
Alana Willis
The whole system is rigged anyway. They make it impossible to quit a toxic job but then scrutinize every firing to see if they can deny benefits. I've seen people get denied for the stupidest reasons while others who clearly gamed the system get approved. NYS Department of Labor adjudication is totally inconsistent.
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Romeo Barrett
•While the system has flaws, the misconduct guidelines are actually pretty clear. They look for willful or negligent behavior that violates company policy. The key is proving termination wasn't due to deliberate actions on your part.
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Tyler Murphy
just document everything bad they do to you, then when they fire you for 'performance' you can show it was really retaliation or impossible working conditions
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Haley Stokes
•That's actually smart - keeping records of unreasonable demands or policy violations by management could help during adjudication.
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