


Ask the community...
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to ask about this stuff directly, I used a service called claimyr.com that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I was stuck trying to call for weeks about my own termination situation and they got me connected within a few hours. Really helped me understand exactly what documentation I needed for my case.
Whatever you do, don't try to game the system. NYS Department of Labor has seen every trick in the book and they WILL find out if you deliberately got yourself fired. Better to focus on building a case for constructive dismissal if the work environment is truly toxic - document harassment, unsafe conditions, or unreasonable demands that make the job impossible to perform.
The unemployment system is SO broken. They deny people for the smallest things but then take forever to process appeals. I got denied initially for 'insufficient wages' even though I worked full time for 8 months. Turns out my employer reported my wages wrong to NYS Department of Labor. Had to fight for 3 months to get it corrected.
For anyone dealing with misconduct disqualifications, here's what you need to know: NYS Department of Labor has to prove that your actions were deliberate violations of reasonable employer expectations. Simple mistakes or inability to meet performance standards usually don't qualify as misconduct. Document everything about your termination and gather any performance reviews or communications with your supervisor for your appeal hearing.
This whole system is so confusing! I got denied too but for 'voluntary quit' even though I was clearly laid off. The NYS Department of Labor seems to deny everyone first and make you fight for benefits. It's ridiculous that people who need help the most have to jump through all these hoops.
Don't give up yet! You have the right to request a hearing if you disagree with the determination. The instructions should be in your denial letter. Make sure to file your request within 30 days of the determination date. At the hearing, you can present evidence about your work history and wages. Even if the alternate base period doesn't work out, sometimes there are other issues that can be resolved.
just be glad you got benefits at all... ive been waiting 6 weeks for my adjudication to clear and still nothing
Mei Wong
honestly the whole system is kind of a mess though. like yes unemployment exists to help people but good luck actually getting help when you need it. i was on unemployment for 6 months during covid and it was a nightmare trying to get anyone at NYS Department of Labor to answer questions
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Liam Fitzgerald
•same here! the website would crash constantly and calling was pointless
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PixelWarrior
To add to what others said - unemployment also helps prevent people from taking jobs way below their skill level just to survive. This keeps wages more stable across the economy. Without it, desperate job seekers would drive down wages for everyone. The NYS Department of Labor requires you to actively search for work though, so it's not just free money - you have responsibilities while receiving benefits.
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