The wage requirements change every year but for 2025 you need at least $2,700 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter amount. Since you're still employed part-time, you'll file for partial benefits and your weekly benefit will be reduced by a portion of what you earn each week. Make sure to report all work and earnings accurately on your weekly claims or you could face an overpayment.

I went through something similar when my hours got cut at my job last year. The key thing to remember is you need to file your claim as soon as your hours are reduced - don't wait! You can apply online at labor.ny.gov and the system will walk you through determining if you meet the wage requirements based on your work history. Since you've been working 8 months you should have enough quarters of work. Just make sure when you file your weekly claims that you report exactly how many hours you worked and how much you earned that week. The system will automatically calculate your partial benefit amount. Also keep records of your job search activities because they do audit that requirement.

I was in a similar situation last year when my hours got slashed at a clothing store. The partial unemployment really helped bridge the gap! One thing I'd add is to apply as soon as possible since there's usually a waiting week before benefits start. Also, keep detailed records of your work schedule and pay stubs - NYS Department of Labor might ask for verification. The online filing system is pretty straightforward once you get through the initial application. Hang in there, it does get easier to manage once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims!

I went through this exact same thing when my hours got cut at a grocery store! You definitely qualify for partial benefits since it wasn't your fault your hours were reduced. One tip - when you file your initial claim, make sure to mention that your hours were involuntarily reduced from full-time to part-time. That helps establish that you're not voluntarily working part-time. The weekly certification process becomes pretty routine once you get used to it. Also, don't forget that you still need to be actively looking for work and report your job search activities. The partial benefits really saved me when I was in your situation - hopefully it helps you make rent next month!

The NYS Department of Labor website is terrible for explaining this stuff clearly. I had to call three times before someone explained that Sunday certification is for EVERYONE, not just certain benefit types. They really need better instructions on their site.

One thing that helped me was setting a phone reminder for every Sunday morning. I usually do mine around 8 AM after the system opens at 7:30 AM. The website can get slow later in the day when everyone is trying to certify. Also keep your work search log handy because they'll ask about any job applications or interviews you had during the week.

Just wanted to add that timing is everything here. Don't let any gap happen between when your disability ends and when you file for unemployment. The sooner you file after being medically cleared, the better for your claim processing.

I went through something very similar when I was on disability for a back injury and got laid off during my recovery. The key thing to remember is that NY state considers these two benefits mutually exclusive - you literally cannot receive both at the same time because of the "able and available" requirement for unemployment. What I did was keep all my paperwork organized (layoff notice, final disability payment stub, doctor's release) so when I was cleared to work, I could file my UI claim immediately. Also heads up - when you do file, they'll ask specific questions about any disability benefits you received and the dates, so having exact dates ready will speed up the process. The waiting period after filing felt endless but it all worked out once the system verified I was no longer on disability.

Thanks everyone for the clarification! I was so confused because I had read some old information about calling in. The online system through my.ny.gov sounds much easier. Just to make sure I understand - my benefit week runs Sunday to Saturday, so I can certify anytime starting Sunday at 6 AM for the week that just ended? And I need to make sure I have my 3 job search activities documented before I certify?

One tip I wish someone had told me when I started - set a reminder on your phone for Sunday mornings! I got into the habit of doing my weekly certification right after I have my coffee on Sunday. It becomes routine after a few weeks. Also, if you ever have technical issues with the my.ny.gov portal, try clearing your browser cache or switching browsers. The site can be a bit finicky sometimes but usually works fine once you get the hang of it.