Can I get NY unemployment backpay for part-time work since September?

Unfortunately, NY unemployment doesn't typically provide retroactive benefits for periods you didn't claim. You're supposed to claim weekly, even if working part-time. The system calculates partial benefits based on your weekly certification and reported earnings. You could try explaining your situation to a claims specialist by phone, but I wouldn't get your hopes up for backdating to September. The best course of action is to apply now if you're still working part-time and eligible for partial benefits going forward.

NOBODY tells you this stuff on purpose!! I missed out on 3 months of partial benefits last year because the system is DESIGNED to keep people from getting money they deserve. The agents know this stuff but won't volunteer the info unless you specifically ask. It's all about saving the state money. Sorry you're dealing with this but don't expect any help from them.

While it's true NY unemployment generally doesn't backdate claims, there is a process to request backdating in certain circumstances. You need to show "good cause" for why you didn't file on time. Lack of information could potentially qualify, though it's evaluated case-by-case. Call and request a "Request for Backdating" form. Explain your situation clearly - that you were working part-time but didn't know you could still claim partial benefits. Document any attempts you made to understand your benefits (emails, calls, website visits). Don't get discouraged by the first agent you speak with. Sometimes you need to speak with a supervisor or claims specialist who has authority to make these decisions.

I tried getting backpay once and waited on hold for 3 hours only to have the call dropped! Then tried again next day, another 2 hours wasted. The system is broken. The website says one thing, the automated system another, and IF you actually reach a human they tell you something completely different. Good luck even getting through to ask about backdating lol

hey my cousin had this exact thing happen but they only let him backdate for like 2 weeks. said someting about having to show "good cause" for not filling on time and not knowing wasnt good enough reason. but maybe worth a try anyway??? never hurts to ask

Update: I called NYSDOL this morning (using Claimyr after seeing the recommendation here - actually did get through quickly) and explained my situation. The claims specialist said they can only backdate up to 4 weeks without special approval, but they're sending me a form to request consideration for the full period. Apparently I need to provide a written explanation and any evidence showing why I didn't know I could claim while working part-time. Not getting my hopes up, but at least there's a process. Will update when I hear back!

just curious how much did u make at ur part time job? cuz if u made too much u might not have gotten anything anyway

Based on your part-time earnings, you would likely have qualified for partial benefits. In NY, you can earn up to 30% of your maximum benefit rate without reduction (that would be about $151 in your case). After that, benefits are reduced by 25% for each dollar earned. With $250-300 weekly income, you would have received roughly $204-229 in partial benefits each week. This is why it's worth pursuing the backdating request - you're potentially looking at thousands in benefits you were eligible for. Make sure to emphasize in your request that had you known, you would have been filing weekly claims this entire time.