Can I collect unemployment while in rehab - NYS Department of Labor eligibility question

You can absolutely collect unemployment while in outpatient rehab! The NYS Department of Labor considers you available for work as long as you can work around your treatment schedule. Since it's only 3 days a week for a few hours, you're still available for full-time employment the other days. When you file your weekly claims, just make sure you mark that you're able and available for work. Don't volunteer information about rehab unless specifically asked, but if they do ask, explain it's outpatient and doesn't prevent you from working.

I went through something similar last year. The key thing is that outpatient programs don't automatically disqualify you from unemployment. The NYS Department of Labor looks at whether you can accept suitable employment if offered. Since your program is only 12 hours a week, you could easily work around that schedule. I'd suggest looking for jobs that work with your treatment times - many employers are understanding about medical appointments.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! i think as long as ur not like locked up somewhere 24/7 you should be fine?? my cousin did some kind of program while getting benefits but idk the details. just dont mention it unless they ask directly

Getting through to the NYS Department of Labor to ask about specific situations like this can be nearly impossible with their phone lines. I was stuck trying to reach someone for weeks about a different eligibility question. A friend told me about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to a real agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to speak with someone directly about your situation.

Good for you for getting help! I think the main thing is that you can still work full time around your treatment schedule. That's what matters to them - availability. I had to do some medical treatments while on unemployment and as long as I could prove I was still looking for work and available, there were no issues.

I'm currently in a similar situation - doing outpatient treatment while on unemployment. What helped me was being very clear about my availability when filing weekly claims. I always mark "yes" that I'm able and available for work, and I've been actively job searching around my treatment schedule. The treatment has actually made me more motivated to find stable employment. Just make sure you're genuinely available for work on your non-treatment days and keep documenting your job search efforts. You're doing the right thing by getting help - don't let fear of losing benefits stop you from taking care of yourself.

I work as a benefits counselor and can confirm that outpatient treatment should not disqualify you from unemployment benefits in NY. The key criteria is "able and available for work" - and since your program is only 12 hours per week, you clearly meet this standard. When you certify weekly, you'll answer yes to being available for work. If questioned, explain it's medical treatment that doesn't interfere with full-time employment. Many people receive unemployment while managing medical appointments, therapy, or other health needs. The fact that you're proactively addressing your health actually demonstrates responsibility that most employers would respect. Focus on your job search during your available hours and keep good records. You're making a positive choice for your future - don't let benefit concerns delay getting the help you need.