honestly the NYS Department of Labor phone system is so bad that if you run into any issues you'll spend hours trying to reach someone. I had a problem with my weekly claim filing and couldn't get through for days. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Might be worth bookmarking in case you need to talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor.

Stick with unemployment if you can afford it! I made the mistake of taking a crappy retail job too quickly after getting laid off and it made interviewing for real positions almost impossible. Plus once you're working, you can't collect unemployment anymore even if the new job doesn't work out (well, you can but you'd have to reapply and qualify all over again).

yeah this whole system is screwed up if you ask me. when the economy tanks the people who need help most can't get it because there's no money coming in. typical government planning right there

This reminds me of when my brother was on unemployment back in 2009 during the recession. He was worried about the same thing but ended up getting all his benefits plus extended benefits that Congress approved. The system worked even during the worst economic crisis in decades.

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.

Just to add - you also need to register with the NYS job portal and document your job search activities. They require you to actively look for work and can ask for proof. It's not just free money, you have to show you're trying to find employment.

I've been helping people with unemployment appeals for years and this denial doesn't make sense based on what you've described. When you file your appeal, emphasize these points: 1) You were laid off due to lack of work/economic reasons 2) You are able, available and actively seeking work 3) You're willing to accept suitable employment at prevailing wage rates. The minimum wage increase is irrelevant to your eligibility. If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone to discuss this, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get through to unemployment agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to speak with someone directly about your appeal.

same thing happened to my brother last year, he appealed and won but it took forever. just keep trying to call them every day until someone explains what happened with your claim

I had issues getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had wage calculation questions. Tried calling for weeks but kept getting disconnected. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent who could review my earnings history. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made the whole process way easier than trying to navigate the phone system myself.

Commission jobs are tricky for unemployment calculations because your income varies so much. I worked commission sales too and my benefit amount was based on my best quarter, not the terrible final months before I got laid off. The NYS Department of Labor system actually worked in my favor that way. Just make sure all your employers reported your wages correctly.