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.

26 weeks is nothing these days with how the job market is. I was unemployed for almost a year and had to figure out other assistance programs after my UI ran out. Tell your cousin to start looking immediately and don't wait around thinking he has plenty of time

One thing to add - make sure your cousin applies as soon as possible after his layoff. There's a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and you can't get paid for that first week. Also, he'll need to have his employer information ready (like his last day of work, reason for separation, etc.) when he files online at labor.ny.gov. The sooner he gets his claim in, the sooner he can start receiving those 26 weeks of benefits. Construction workers often have good wage histories so he should qualify for a decent weekly benefit amount.

Just wanted to update everyone - my son got a call from DOL yesterday explaining the whole situation. Turns out his claim got flagged because he had worked in another state briefly last year. They said the legislative office inquiry is what pushed his claim through final approval. So definitely reach out to your representatives if you're stuck!

This is so helpful, thank you for sharing! I've been stuck in limbo for 2 months now and getting the runaround every time I call. Your success story gives me hope that there's actually a way forward. I'm definitely going to try contacting my assembly person - I hadn't even thought of that option. It's crazy that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get benefits we're entitled to, but at least there are people like you willing to share what actually works. Congratulations to your son on finally getting his money!

been there! the whole process stressed me out too but its not as bad as it seems. just take it one step at a time and dont overthink it

I went through this exact same situation last year and I totally understand the panic! One thing that really helped me was calling the NYS Department of Labor customer service line (1-888-209-8124) early in the morning around 8am when they open - you're more likely to get through then. Also, don't stress if you can't remember exact dates - they understand that and you can provide approximate dates. The system will ask your former employer to verify the information anyway. Most importantly, try to stay calm - once you get the initial application submitted, the weekly certifications are much easier and become routine. You've got this!

Don't panic! I went through this same process a few months ago and it's really not as complicated as it seems at first. The key thing is to file your claim ASAP - like everyone else mentioned, you want to get that clock started. One tip that helped me: have your bank account information ready too because you'll need to set up direct deposit for your benefits. Also, when you're filling out the application, take your time reading each question carefully. Some of the wording can be a bit confusing but it's better to get it right the first time than have to deal with delays later. You've got this!

I went through this process about 6 months ago and wanted to add a few things that really helped me. First, make sure you have your last few pay stubs handy - they'll ask for your earnings information and it's much easier if you have the exact amounts. Second, the system will ask you to choose between direct deposit and a debit card for receiving benefits. I'd recommend direct deposit if possible since it's faster and more reliable. Also, don't worry if the website seems slow or crashes - it happens a lot, especially on Mondays when everyone is filing their weekly claims. Just keep trying and it will eventually go through. The most important thing is to not delay filing your initial claim even if you're missing some information - you can always update details later, but you can't backdate your claim to an earlier date than when you actually filed.