Can I get NY unemployment if quarantined after COVID exposure?

As of 2025, NY no longer has specific COVID quarantine benefits like they did years ago, but you might qualify for regular UI benefits during this period. The key factor is that you're unable to work through no fault of your own. I'd suggest applying right away and making it clear that your employer directed you to quarantine and that you cannot perform your job remotely. Make sure to mention that your employer is aware of your unemployment claim.

I had something similar happen in January. You CAN get regular unemployment for the quarantine period, but it's important how you answer the certification questions. When it asks if you were ready, willing and able to work, say YES (because you would be working if not for the quarantine). And when it asks if you refused any work, say NO. Make sure your employer knows you're filing too.

My daughter works at a cafe and got sent home for the same reason last month. She applied for unemployment and got it no problem. Just make sure your boss doesn't mark it as "leave of absence" cause that can cause issues. Good luck!

The standard 7-day waiting period still applies to all NY unemployment claims unless there's a special executive order in place (which there isn't currently for COVID situations). Your best course of action is to apply immediately so that waiting period starts counting down. One thing that might trip you up: when completing your application, you need to indicate your employment status as "temporarily laid off due to employer-mandated quarantine" rather than just selecting "quarantine" as the reason - the system treats these differently.

if ur bosss is cool ask them to call it temporary layoff on their end, that way unemployment system wont flag it. my boss did this for me and i got paid with no issues

This EXACT thing happened to me and I couldn't get a SINGLE PERSON on the phone at unemployment!!! Kept calling for DAYS and it was always the same recorded message saying high call volume. Finally I got through after using Claimyr.com - they have a service that basically waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Once I got through to someone they told me I qualified for regular unemployment during the quarantine period since my employer directed me not to come in.

One more important thing - when you file, you'll need some form of documentation that shows you were directed to quarantine. This could be an email from your employer, a doctor's note, or even a text message. The DOL has been asking for proof to prevent fraudulent claims. Save any communication from your employer about the quarantine requirement.

i got denied at first then approved on appeal so dont give up if they say no the first time

Btw I asked my daughter and she said her first payment took almost 3 weeks to come through even though she was approved right away. Just so you know in case you need to make arrangements for bills.

my sister works at the DOL call center and she says they get tons of these questions every day. the answer is always file anyway and let them determine eligibility. worst they can say is no!!

To summarize what everyone's said: Yes, you can likely get regular UI benefits for your quarantine period, but success depends on: 1. Filing immediately 2. Having documentation of the quarantine directive 3. Making sure your employer categorizes this as temporary layoff rather than leave of absence 4. Answering the weekly certification questions correctly And be prepared for the waiting week where you won't receive benefits, plus possible processing delays. Hope it all works out for you!