Wait, so if you get a DUI they can fire you even if it's not at work?? That seems really unfair. I thought what you do on your own time is your business.

My brother went through this exact thing 2 years ago. He got fired for DUI and they initially denied his unemployment but he appealed and won. The hearing officer said since he wasn't driving for work when it happened and it was his first offense, it wasn't willful misconduct. Definitely worth fighting if they deny you.

Email your state senator AND your assembly person. I'm serious. I tried EVERYTHING to get through for 2 months. Called hundreds of times. Finally emailed my senator's office with my claim info and they had someone from DOL call me within 4 days.

I feel your pain - been in the exact same situation. After weeks of failed attempts, I finally got through using a combination of strategies. First, try calling at 7:58am sharp (not 8am) - the queue opens early. Second, if you have access to multiple phones, use them all to call simultaneously and take whichever one gets through first. Third, don't give up after the first "high call volume" message - immediately hang up and redial. I had to do this 50+ times one morning but finally got in the queue. Also try the Spanish line trick someone mentioned - press 2 for Spanish, then explain in English when you get through. The wait times are much shorter. Last resort: contact your local assembly member's office. They have direct lines to DOL and can often get your case escalated within days instead of months. Hang in there!

wait so if your boss cuts your hours you can still get unemployment?? I thought you had to be fired or laid off

Make sure to submit your appeal within the 30-day deadline - that's crucial! Also request a hearing if you want to present your case in person. In your letter, be very clear about the timeline of events leading up to your "quit" - when did the hour reduction happen, what exactly did your boss say, and how long were you expected to work just 8 hours per week. The key is showing that no reasonable person could continue working under those conditions. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Wait, is REA the same thing as the WorkForce1 requirements? I'm getting so many different letters and appointments I can't keep track of what's what anymore.

I just got my REA notice yesterday and was panicking about what to expect. This thread is super helpful! @Lucy, to answer your question about advance notice - I got about 10 days notice for my appointment, so it wasn't last minute. They sent both a physical letter and an email. The letter had pretty clear instructions about what to bring (work search log, resume, etc.). Sounds like it's actually worth taking seriously based on what everyone's saying here.

Just wanted to say good luck with your appeal. The whole unemployment system is such a nightmare to navigate. At least with the hour reduction you have a clear cut case - that's definitely good cause for quitting in NY.

I went through a similar appeal process last year and won! A few additional tips that helped me: 1) Include a timeline of events with specific dates (when hours were reduced, when you gave notice, etc.) 2) If you have any written communication with your employer about the hour reduction, include copies 3) Calculate and mention the percentage reduction in hours - going from full-time to under 10 hours is usually a 70%+ reduction which clearly shows substantial change in employment terms 4) Don't forget to mention if the hour reduction affected your eligibility for benefits like health insurance. The hearing officer really focused on the substantial change aspect in my case. Stay organized and factual - you've got a strong case here!