Can I claim unemployment benefits - NYS Department of Labor eligibility questions
I'm not sure if I qualify for unemployment benefits and need help understanding the NYS Department of Labor requirements. I was working part-time at a retail store for about 8 months before they let me go last week due to budget cuts. I've never filed for unemployment before and don't know where to start. Can I claim unemployment benefits even though I was only part-time? What documents do I need to gather before I apply? I'm really stressed about my bills and want to make sure I don't mess up the application process.
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Dylan Cooper
Yes, you can definitely claim unemployment benefits as a part-time worker! The NYS Department of Labor doesn't require you to be full-time to qualify. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months including employer names, addresses, and dates of employment. You should also have your last pay stub and any separation paperwork from your employer. Apply online at labor.ny.gov as soon as possible since benefits don't start until you file your claim.
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•Thank you so much! Do I need to wait for any paperwork from my employer before I can apply, or can I file right away?
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Dylan Cooper
•File right away - don't wait for anything from your employer. The NYS Department of Labor will contact them directly to verify your employment and separation details.
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Sofia Morales
Just went through this myself last month. The online application is pretty straightforward but make sure you have all your employment info ready. NYS Department of Labor asks for specific dates and wage amounts so dig up those old pay stubs if you can find them.
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about the wait time.
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StarSailor
ugh the whole process is such a headache honestly. i applied like 3 weeks ago and my claim is still pending in adjudication whatever that means. calling the nysdol is impossible too, you just get hung up on constantly
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Dmitry Ivanov
•Have you tried using Claimyr? I found them when I was having the same problem getting through to NYS Department of Labor. They help you get connected to an actual agent without waiting on hold forever. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Ava Garcia
The key thing is to make sure you meet the monetary eligibility requirements. NYS Department of Labor looks at your earnings over the past year to determine if you qualify. Since you worked 8 months, you should be fine as long as you earned enough during that base period. Don't stress too much about the application - it's designed to be user-friendly.
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•What's the minimum amount you need to have earned? I'm worried my part-time wages might not be enough.
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Miguel Silva
good luck with everything! i remember being super nervous about my first unemployment claim too but it worked out fine. the most important thing is just getting it filed ASAP
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