I'm also a teacher dealing with a non-renewal situation, and from everything I've researched, you should definitely be eligible for unemployment benefits. The main thing that disqualifies teachers is when they have "reasonable assurance" of returning to work - but since your position was eliminated due to budget cuts, that doesn't apply to you. I'd suggest filing your claim as soon as possible since there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. Make sure to emphasize on your application that this was an involuntary separation due to lack of work/budget cuts, not a resignation. Also, keep applying for other teaching positions while you're collecting - they'll ask about your job search activities in the weekly certifications. The stress is real, but at least unemployment benefits can help bridge the gap while you find your next position!

I went through this exact situation last year when my district cut my position due to budget constraints. You absolutely can file for unemployment benefits since your contract wasn't renewed involuntarily. The key is that you don't have "reasonable assurance" of employment for the next school year, which is what typically disqualifies teachers during summer breaks. When I filed, I made sure to clearly state that my position was eliminated due to budget cuts - not that I resigned or chose not to return. I had my claim approved within about 3 weeks and received benefits throughout the summer while job hunting. Don't wait to apply - there's a one-week waiting period, and the sooner you get in the system, the better. Also, keep detailed records of your job search efforts since you'll need to report them weekly. The financial stress is tough, but unemployment benefits really do help bridge the gap while you're looking for your next teaching position. Hang in there!

Yeah they definitely don't automatically withhold. I forgot to elect it my first few weeks and had to call to change it. The tax withholding election stays in place for all your future weekly claims once you set it up, so you don't have to keep selecting it every week.

Just to add some perspective as someone who's been through this - I'd strongly recommend electing the tax withholding right from the start. I made the mistake of not doing it initially thinking I'd handle it myself, and it was a nightmare trying to calculate and make quarterly payments while already stressed about being unemployed. The 10% federal and ~3.5% NY state withholding won't cover everything if you have other income, but it's a good safety net and way less stressful than owing a lump sum at tax time.

Just started collecting in mid-January and this whole thread has been exactly what I needed to read! Was getting a bit anxious about not hearing anything yet but the 3-4 month timeline everyone keeps mentioning really helps set expectations. I've been super lazy with tracking my job search - basically just keeping a running list in my Notes app with company names and dates. But after reading Charlotte's breakdown and everyone else's detailed advice, I'm definitely setting up a proper spreadsheet this weekend with all the specifics they might ask for. It's so helpful hearing from people who've actually been through the appointments that they're pretty straightforward rather than the intimidating process I was imagining in my head. Thanks for asking this Victoria - saved me from stressing out unnecessarily! 📝

This thread has been so helpful! I've been collecting since late December and was starting to wonder if I somehow missed a notice or if there was an issue with my case since I hadn't heard anything yet. The 3-4 month timeline everyone's sharing really puts my mind at ease. I've been pretty disorganized with my job search tracking - just keeping basic notes scattered across different apps on my phone 😅 But after reading Charlotte's detailed breakdown and everyone else's experiences, I'm definitely motivated to create a comprehensive spreadsheet this weekend. Going to include dates, company names, positions, application methods, responses - everything they might possibly ask about. It's such a relief knowing these appointments are typically just routine check-ins rather than the intimidating interrogation I was building up in my head. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to share their actual experiences instead of just speculation. Makes this whole process feel so much more manageable knowing what to expect! Thanks Victoria for asking what I'm sure tons of us newer folks have been secretly worrying about 🙏

I'm in a really similar boat right now - got let go last month for attendance issues that were mostly due to health problems and my car breaking down constantly. Reading through everyone's experiences here is giving me hope that I might actually qualify for benefits. @Jacinda Yu your story especially resonates with me since it sounds like you had the exact same mix of health and transportation issues. I've been hesitating to file because I was worried they'd automatically deny anyone fired for attendance, but it sounds like they actually look at the circumstances. Going to gather up all my medical records and start the application process this week. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

I'm going through something very similar right now - just got terminated last week for attendance issues that were mainly due to ongoing health problems and unreliable transportation. Reading everyone's experiences here is really giving me hope that I might actually qualify for benefits despite being fired. I was honestly terrified to even apply because I thought attendance-related terminations would be an automatic disqualification. But seeing that NYS Department of Labor actually looks at whether it was willful misconduct versus circumstances beyond your control makes me feel much more confident about filing. I have all my medical documentation from this year and records of the car repairs that caused some of my tardiness. Planning to be completely transparent about everything when I file my claim this week. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it's exactly what I needed to hear right now!

Don't forget about situations like workplace discrimination or retaliation. If you quit because of illegal treatment by your employer, that's considered good cause. But you need solid documentation and it's harder to prove than a straightforward layoff.

Another qualifying reason that's often overlooked is when your employer changes fundamental terms of your employment without your agreement - like significantly changing your job duties, reducing your pay, or forcing you to relocate to a different work site that's unreasonably far. This can be considered constructive discharge. Also, if you're in a temporary or seasonal job that ends as expected, you can still qualify. The key thing to remember is you need to have worked long enough to earn sufficient wages during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file). Keep all your pay stubs and employment records!