The NYS Department of Labor will look at whether you made reasonable efforts to resolve the workplace issues before quitting. Did you file complaints with HR? Document incidents? Try to work with management? If you just up and quit without trying to fix things first, they're more likely to deny your claim. But if you can show you tried everything and the situation was truly unbearable, you have a better shot at getting benefits.

This is exactly what I went through 6 months ago! I was so stressed about quitting because I needed the income but couldn't take the abuse anymore. Ended up getting approved for benefits because I had documented everything and showed I tried to resolve it internally first.

The whole benefit year system is just another way for them to make it harder for people to get help. Why can't they just let you collect as long as you need it if you're still looking for work?? The 26 week limit is ridiculous when some industries have been struggling for years.

Just wanted to add that it's really important to start planning ahead if you're getting close to exhausting your 26 weeks within your benefit year. I learned the hard way that you should start ramping up your job search efforts and maybe consider temporary or part-time work to build up some recent work history before your benefit year ends. Also, keep all your documentation from your current claim - you'll need it when you file a new one. The transition between benefit years can be stressful, but understanding the timeline helps you prepare better.

My dad worked construction which also has seasonal layoffs in winter and he always called it 'going on the dole' lol. But seriously, in NYS the construction and tourism industries have this pattern built into their business models. Workers expect it, employers plan for it, and the unemployment system handles it as routine. It's definitely structural unemployment in the textbook sense.

This is really helpful for understanding how seasonal unemployment works in practice! I'm actually curious about something related - does the NYS Department of Labor have different benefit amounts or durations for seasonal workers compared to regular unemployment claims? Or do they all go through the same calculation based on prior earnings? I'm wondering if the predictable nature of seasonal layoffs affects how benefits are administered, since unlike other types of unemployment, both the worker and employer know exactly when the layoff is coming.

thx for updating! good to know about not filing new claim, i wouldve probably done that and messed everything up lol

This is such valuable information for anyone dealing with NYSDOL system issues! I've been following this thread because I'm always worried something like this could happen to my claim. It's reassuring to know there are actual solutions and that the Tier 2 specialists can fix these backend problems. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - this kind of community knowledge is so much more helpful than trying to navigate the official website or automated phone system alone.

The whole unemployment system is set up to deny people benefits. These hearings are just another hoop they make you jump through hoping you'll give up. I've seen people with legitimate claims get denied because they didn't phrase something exactly right during the hearing.

I went through this process about 6 months ago and want to share some practical tips that helped me. First, don't be intimidated - the administrative law judge was actually quite patient and fair. Make sure you have a quiet place for the phone hearing and test your phone connection beforehand. Write down a timeline of events leading to your job separation and practice explaining it clearly. If you were fired, focus on whether it was for misconduct or just poor performance (misconduct can disqualify you, but poor performance usually won't). If you quit, you need to show it was for good cause. The hearing usually lasts 30-60 minutes, and you'll get the decision in writing within 2-3 weeks. Good luck with your appeal!