Other things that can disqualify you: not registering for work search within the required timeframe, failing to complete your weekly job search activities, turning down job offers that NYS Department of Labor considers suitable, and not reporting income from part-time work. Also if you're not a US citizen or authorized to work, or if you're receiving certain other benefits. The system is designed to catch everything!

Been through this whole mess twice now and honestly the unemployment system is rigged against workers. They'll find ANY excuse to deny your claim. Even if you have legitimate reasons for leaving they make you jump through hoops for months while you're struggling to pay bills. The adjudication process is deliberately slow and confusing.

I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months trying to get through to someone about my specific situation and it's been impossible with their phone system. Recently found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent who could explain how the job search requirements work when your whole industry is changing. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone directly about your options.

yeah structural unemployment is basically when technology or economic changes make certain jobs obsolete forever, not just temporarily like in a recession. affects tons of people these days with automation and online shopping

ugh the whole system is such a mess regardless of what the unemployment rate is!! I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months over an overpayment issue and they never return calls or emails. The percentage might be low but that doesn't mean they're any more helpful to actual people trying to navigate this bureaucratic nightmare

Just want to add that even if unemployment rates are lower, you still have the same rights to benefits if you qualify. Make sure you're continuing to file weekly claims and document your job search activities. The adjudication process can be slow but they have to follow the same rules regardless of economic conditions.

ugh the system is so broken!! why do they make it so hard to get information about what happens when benefits end? they should automatically tell you about other programs instead of making you figure it out yourself

Check if you might qualify for any extended benefits or federal programs. Sometimes there are extensions available depending on the unemployment rate in your area. Also look into local career centers - they often have resources for people transitioning off unemployment including resume help and job placement services.

Wait I'm confused too - if we're already paying into unemployment insurance through payroll deductions, why do some people have trouble getting approved for benefits? Shouldn't it be automatic if we've been paying in?

If you ever need to contact NYS Department of Labor about unemployment benefits, I'd recommend checking out claimyr.com - they help people get through to actual agents instead of dealing with the busy phone lines. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I used it when I had questions about my claim status and it saved me hours of trying to call.