this is so confusing!!! i'm dealing with the same thing and nobody at NYS Department of Labor could explain it to me when i called. took forever to get through and they just transferred me around

The confusion makes sense because both programs involve government payments for people who can't work their regular jobs. But unemployment is for people temporarily out of work who are looking for new jobs, while SSI is for people who can't work due to disability. You can receive unemployment while applying for disability, but if you get approved for disability, you'll need to report that unemployment income to Social Security.

yeah my econ professor said the same thing about natural unemployment or whatever. something about friction in the job market being normal? idk sounds like BS when you're waiting weeks for NYS Department of Labor to process claims

I totally understand your confusion! When I was laid off last year I felt the same way. The economic theory side is that moderate unemployment gives workers bargaining power - if jobs are too scarce, employers can treat people poorly. If jobs are too plentiful, it can create labor shortages and inflation. The problem is when the safety net (like NYS Department of Labor benefits) doesn't work smoothly to support people during transitions.

Ugh dealing with NYS Department of Labor phone lines is going to be a nightmare if you need to talk to someone about your case. I've been trying to get through for weeks about my adjudication status. The automated system just hangs up on you after an hour wait. But I recently found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to a real NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration - finally got my questions answered about my job separation issue.

Just apply! worst case they deny you and you appeal. I quit my job due to unsafe working conditions and got approved after providing documentation during the adjudication process. Your hour reduction alone should qualify you for partial benefits even if they question the voluntary quit.

omg yes the calling is THE WORST! i've probably spent 20 hours trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor

Just to add - if your store closure was part of a mass layoff (20+ people), there might be additional WARN Act notifications that could affect your timeline. But for the basic four types, you're definitely structural unemployment which is the most straightforward for NYS Department of Labor claims.

I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to speak with someone about my work authorization documents. If you run into issues reaching them by phone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was really helpful when I needed to verify my documentation requirements.

Just want to add that you'll need to meet the same job search requirements as everyone else once you start receiving benefits. Keep track of your job search activities and make sure your work authorization doesn't expire during your benefit period, as that could affect your continued eligibility.