Can I collect NYS Department of Labor unemployment if I have no childcare available?
My babysitter quit last week and I can't find affordable childcare for my 3-year-old. I had to call out of work multiple days and now my employer is threatening termination. If I lose my job because I can't arrange childcare, would I still be eligible for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? I've heard conflicting things about whether childcare issues count as good cause for leaving work. Has anyone dealt with this situation before?
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Luca Russo
Childcare issues can be tricky with NYS Department of Labor eligibility. If you're terminated for attendance issues related to lack of childcare, you might still qualify depending on your specific circumstances. The key is proving you made reasonable efforts to find alternative care and that the situation was beyond your control. Document everything - your search for childcare, costs of available options, etc.
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Zara Mirza
•Thank you! I've been keeping records of all the daycares I've called. Most have waiting lists or want $400+ per week which is more than I make.
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Nia Harris
i think if you quit for childcare reasons you cant get benefits but if they fire you for attendance maybe you can? not sure though
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GalaxyGazer
The NYS Department of Labor evaluates each case individually when it comes to childcare-related separations. If you're fired due to attendance issues caused by lack of available or affordable childcare, you may still be eligible. Key factors include: 1) Whether you explored all reasonable childcare options, 2) If the cost of childcare would exceed your earnings, 3) Whether you communicated with your employer about the situation. You'll need to file for benefits and explain your circumstances during any adjudication process.
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Zara Mirza
•That's really helpful. Should I try to work something out with my boss first or just let them fire me if I can't find childcare?
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GalaxyGazer
•Definitely communicate with your employer about your situation. Some companies have backup childcare programs or may allow temporary schedule adjustments. If they're unwilling to accommodate and you're terminated, that documentation helps your unemployment case.
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Mateo Sanchez
UGH the whole system is so frustrating! I went through something similar last year when my daycare closed suddenly. NYS Department of Labor made me wait weeks for adjudication while I had no income and still no childcare solution. They eventually approved my claim but it was a nightmare trying to reach anyone by phone to explain my situation.
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Aisha Mahmood
•If you need to reach NYS Department of Labor agents quickly about adjudication issues, I recently found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals when I had questions about my claim status.
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Mateo Sanchez
•That actually sounds really useful. I wasted so much time on hold last year.
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Ethan Moore
My sister had to quit her job because childcare fell through and she got denied initially. She appealed and won though because she could prove the daycare costs were like 80% of her salary. The appeal took forever but she got back pay.
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Yuki Kobayashi
same boat here mama, it's so hard!! hope everything works out for you
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Luca Esposito
I'm going through something similar right now - my daycare suddenly raised their rates by 60% and I just can't afford it on my current salary. From what I've researched, NYS Department of Labor does consider "compelling family circumstances" which can include sudden loss of childcare arrangements. The important thing is documenting that you're actively looking for solutions and that the available options are genuinely unaffordable relative to your income. I've been keeping a spreadsheet of every childcare option I've contacted with their costs and availability. Also, make sure to communicate everything in writing with your employer - emails are your friend here. Even if they terminate you, having that paper trail showing you tried to work with them could really help your case. Hang in there!
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