Can I collect unemployment if I get fired during my probation period in NY?

Being fired during probation doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in New York. What matters is the reason for termination. If they're letting you go for performance issues or saying you're not a good fit, that's typically not considered misconduct and you should be eligible. However, if you were fired for something like attendance issues, theft, or violating company policy, that could be considered misconduct and might disqualify you.

You should definitely file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. The NYS Department of Labor will review your case and make a determination based on the circumstances. Since you mentioned it was about not picking up processes quickly enough, that sounds like a performance issue rather than misconduct. Make sure to be honest about the reason for termination when you file your weekly claims. The employer might contest it, but you have the right to appeal if they deny your claim initially.

ugh the probation period firing thing is so frustrating!! companies use it as an excuse to get rid of people without consequences. but yeah you should still be able to get unemployment unless they claim you did something really bad

I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to check on my claim status after a similar situation. If you run into issues reaching them by phone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals and hold time when I needed answers about my adjudication.

I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly. The key thing to remember is that being terminated during probation is actually pretty common and doesn't automatically disqualify you from benefits. Since your employer cited performance/fit issues rather than misconduct, you should be in good shape. When you file your claim, be clear and honest about what happened - "terminated during probation period for not learning job duties quickly enough" or similar. Keep any documentation you have about the termination (emails, termination letter, etc.) in case the employer contests your claim. File as soon as possible after your last day to avoid any delays in benefit processing.

I went through something very similar when I was let go during my probation period at a warehouse job about 6 months ago. The anxiety about whether you'll qualify for benefits is totally understandable, but based on what you've described, you should be fine. Performance-related terminations during probation are generally not considered misconduct by NYS DOL. When I filed my claim, I was honest about being terminated for "not meeting performance expectations during probation period" and my benefits were approved without any issues. The employer didn't even contest it. Make sure to file your weekly certifications on time and keep looking for work while you're collecting. Hang in there - this setback doesn't define you and you'll find something better!

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but the good news is that being terminated during probation for performance reasons typically doesn't disqualify you from unemployment benefits in NY. Since your supervisor specifically said you weren't picking up processes fast enough rather than citing misconduct, you should be eligible. I'd recommend filing your claim immediately after your last day of work - don't wait! Make sure to keep that conversation with your supervisor documented if possible, and be completely honest when filling out your application about the reason for termination. The NYS DOL will investigate and make a determination, but performance-related terminations during probation are generally approved. Also, remember that even if your former employer contests the claim (which they might), you have the right to appeal. Stay positive and start your job search right away since you'll need to show you're actively looking for work to maintain eligibility.

I went through a very similar situation about a year ago when I was let go from a customer service job during my 60-day probation period. They said I wasn't meeting their call volume expectations, which honestly felt devastating at the time. But I want to reassure you that you should absolutely be eligible for unemployment benefits based on what you've described. Performance-related terminations during probation are not considered misconduct under NY law. When I filed my claim, I was completely honest about being terminated for "not meeting performance standards during probation" and my benefits were approved within about 10 days. My former employer didn't even contest it. The most important thing is to file your claim the Monday after your last day of work - don't delay! And remember, this is exactly what unemployment insurance is designed for - helping people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own while they search for new employment. You've got this!

I'm going through the exact same situation right now - just got let go from my retail job yesterday during my 30-day probation period because they said I wasn't learning the POS system fast enough. Reading everyone's experiences here is giving me so much relief! I was panicking thinking I'd be ineligible for unemployment, but it sounds like performance issues during probation are totally different from misconduct. My manager was actually pretty nice about it and said it just wasn't the right fit, which I guess works in my favor for the UI claim. Planning to file on Monday right after my official last day. Thank you all for sharing your stories - it's helping me realize this isn't the end of the world and these things happen more often than I thought!

I'm really sorry this happened to you, but from everything I'm reading here, it sounds like you should definitely be eligible for unemployment benefits. Being let go during probation for performance reasons is completely different from being fired for misconduct. The fact that your supervisor specifically said you weren't picking up the processes fast enough actually works in your favor - that's clearly a performance/fit issue, not misconduct. I'd echo what others have said about filing immediately after your last day on Friday. Don't wait! The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit payments can start. Also, keep any documentation about the termination conversation just in case your employer decides to contest the claim later. You mentioned having rent due next month, so time is definitely of the essence here. This is exactly what unemployment insurance exists for - to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own while they search for new work. Try not to let this shake your confidence too much. Probation periods exist precisely because sometimes jobs just aren't the right fit, and that's nobody's fault.

I'm really sorry you're going through this stress, but based on what you've described, you should definitely be eligible for unemployment benefits. Being terminated during probation for performance reasons (like not learning processes quickly enough) is very different from being fired for misconduct. The key distinction is that your supervisor cited job fit and learning speed rather than any policy violations or behavioral issues. I'd strongly recommend filing your claim first thing Monday after your last day on Friday - don't delay because that's when your benefit year can officially start. Make sure to be completely honest on your application about the reason for termination. Keep that email or any documentation from your supervisor about the termination conversation in case your employer contests the claim. Even if they do contest it, you have appeal rights. This is exactly what unemployment insurance is designed for - helping people who lose jobs through no fault of their own. Try not to let this shake your confidence too much - probation periods exist precisely because sometimes jobs aren't the right fit, and that doesn't reflect on your worth as an employee. You've got this!

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago when I was let go from an office job during my probation period for "not adapting to the company culture quickly enough." I was absolutely terrified about filing for unemployment because I thought being fired during probation would automatically disqualify me. But everyone here is absolutely right - performance and fit issues during probation are NOT the same as misconduct, and you should definitely be eligible for benefits. I filed my claim the day after my termination and was approved within about a week with no issues from my former employer. The NYS DOL agent I spoke with even mentioned that probation period terminations for performance reasons are pretty routine and rarely contested. My advice: file immediately after your last day, be completely honest about the circumstances, and don't let this experience make you doubt yourself. I actually found a much better job a few weeks later that was a perfect fit for my skills. Sometimes these "setbacks" are actually redirecting you toward something better. You've got this!