Just want to add that you should also check if the job offer is in a different field than your previous work. NYS Department of Labor considers your work history and skills when determining suitable work. Since you were in accounting and this is data entry, even though there's some overlap, the significant pay cut combined with it being a step down professionally gives you strong grounds to refuse. I'd recommend continuing to apply for accounting positions and keeping detailed records of your job search efforts - this shows you're actively looking for work in your field.

I went through something very similar a few months ago when I was laid off from my marketing coordinator role at $25/hour. Got offered a retail position at $14/hour and was terrified to refuse it. After doing research and talking to NYS Department of Labor, I learned that refusing unsuitable work won't affect your benefits as long as you document everything properly. The 80% rule mentioned earlier is accurate - you can refuse jobs paying significantly less during your first 10 weeks. I kept a detailed log of all job offers, applications sent, and interviews attended. It really helped when they did a routine review of my claim later. Don't let employers or even well-meaning friends pressure you into taking something that doesn't make financial sense - the system is designed to give you reasonable time to find appropriate work. Just make sure you're actively job searching and can prove it.

I'm in almost the exact same situation! My hours got cut from 40 to about 18 per week at my department store job last month and I've been stressing about how to make ends meet. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the day counting system or that I could negotiate my schedule to work around it. The tip about clustering shifts into fewer days is brilliant! I'm definitely going to talk to my manager about consolidating my hours into 2-3 longer shifts instead of having them scattered throughout the week. It's reassuring to know so many others have successfully navigated this process. I'm planning to apply this weekend after I gather all my documentation. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - knowing I'm not alone in this and that there's actually help available makes such a difference when you're worried about rent and bills!

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when my hours got slashed from 38 to around 16 per week. Yes, you can absolutely get partial unemployment in NY! A couple key things that helped me: 1. Apply IMMEDIATELY - don't wait hoping hours get restored. The waiting week means you're losing time. 2. NY counts DAYS worked, not hours. So 15 hours spread across 5 days = $0 benefits, but 15 hours in 2 days = 50% of your weekly benefit. 3. When you certify weekly, report your gross earnings (before taxes) and be 100% accurate. 4. Keep documentation of the hour cuts - screenshots of schedules, any texts/emails about "seasonal adjustments." I was able to negotiate with my manager to cluster my shifts into 2-3 longer days instead of spreading them out all week. Framed it as "better for my productivity and transportation costs" rather than mentioning UI. The partial benefits were honestly a lifesaver while job hunting. You've been paying into this system through your paychecks - don't feel guilty about using it when you need it! Your situation with involuntary hour reduction is exactly what partial unemployment is designed for.

I just went through the partial unemployment application process with NYS Department of Labor a few months ago when my retail hours got cut. Here's what I learned: You apply the same way as regular unemployment, but when you file your weekly claims you'll report your part-time earnings. The system automatically calculates your partial benefit. One thing that confused me at first - you report your gross earnings (before taxes) for the week you actually worked, not when you got paid. So if you worked Monday-Friday but didn't get your paycheck until the following week, you still report those earnings for the week you worked. Also keep all your pay stubs because they may ask for documentation later. The online system at my.ny.gov can be glitchy but it's usually better than trying to call. Good luck!

I'm in a similar situation - my hours got reduced at my restaurant job and I'm trying to figure out the partial unemployment process. From what I've gathered reading through these comments, it sounds like the key things are: 1) Apply for regular unemployment first to establish your weekly benefit amount, 2) Report your part-time earnings accurately each week when you file claims, 3) You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $50 before losing all benefits, and 4) The job search requirements are more relaxed since you're already working. @Omar Farouk thanks for the tip about reporting earnings for the week worked vs. when paid - that's exactly the kind of detail that would trip me up! Has anyone here had experience with how long the initial application process takes for partial benefits compared to regular unemployment?

I work in HR and can confirm what others have said about the appeal levels. In NY, employers get one shot at the ALJ hearing, then one final appeal to the UI Appeal Board. After that, the only option is Article 78 proceedings in state court, which requires showing the Board acted illegally or outside their authority - not just disagreeing with their decision. Most employers drop it after losing at the Appeal Board because court appeals are expensive and rarely successful unless there was a clear procedural error. Keep documenting everything and stay strong - you're probably near the end of this ordeal!

I'm going through a similar situation right now where my former employer appealed after I was laid off in a restructuring. What I've learned is that some companies have policies to automatically appeal every unemployment claim, thinking it will deter future claims or reduce their UI tax rates. It's frustrating but try to stay patient - the system is designed to eventually weed out frivolous appeals. Make sure you keep all your documentation from the layoff (emails, notices, etc.) and continue filing your weekly claims. The repeated losses should work in your favor when it gets to the Appeal Board level.

Just make sure you keep detailed records of your restaurant job hours and pay. NYS Department of Labor will want to see everything when you file your weekly claims. Also be prepared for the job search requirements - you'll still need to look for additional work even though you have the one job.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I lost my morning shift job but kept my evening restaurant work. The process was actually pretty straightforward once I understood it. You'll file your initial claim reporting both jobs (the one you lost and the one you're keeping), and NYS Department of Labor will calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your total earnings history. Then each week when you certify, you report whatever you earned from the restaurant job and they'll pay you the difference if you qualify. Just be honest about everything and keep good records - they may ask for pay stubs from both jobs during the application process.