Can I get NYS Department of Labor unemployment if my car breaks down and I can't get to work?
My transmission just died on my 2018 Honda and the repair estimate is $4200 which I definitely don't have. I've been working at a warehouse in Albany for 8 months but there's no public transit that goes out there. My supervisor said if I can't make it to work consistently they'll have to let me go. Would I be able to file for unemployment benefits if I lose my job because of transportation issues? I really need this job but I'm completely stuck without a car.
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Luca Conti
Unfortunately, losing your job due to transportation problems usually doesn't qualify you for unemployment benefits in New York. The NYS Department of Labor considers this a voluntary quit rather than being terminated through no fault of your own. You'd need to show you made reasonable efforts to solve the transportation issue first.
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Zara Ahmed
•What counts as reasonable efforts? I've looked into rideshare but it would cost me like $50 a day round trip which is more than I make.
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Nia Johnson
Have you talked to your employer about temporary remote work or a different schedule? Some companies will work with you on transportation emergencies. Document everything - any conversations with your boss, repair estimates, attempts to find alternative transportation. If they fire you without giving you a chance to resolve it, that might change things.
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Zara Ahmed
•It's a warehouse job so no remote work possible. I did ask about switching to a different shift but they said all positions require the same hours.
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CyberNinja
This happened to my brother last year and he got denied for UI benefits initially. The NYS Department of Labor said it was voluntary separation due to personal circumstances. He had to appeal and it took forever to get through to anyone to explain his situation.
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Zara Ahmed
•Did he eventually get approved on appeal or was he stuck without benefits?
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CyberNinja
•He ended up getting a different job before the appeal was decided so never found out. But the whole process was a nightmare trying to reach anyone at NYS Department of Labor.
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Mateo Lopez
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to discuss your specific situation, I had good luck using Claimyr (claimyr.com) when I needed to talk to someone about my claim. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It helped me actually reach an agent instead of getting the busy signal constantly.
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Zara Ahmed
•Thanks, I'll check that out. At this point I need to talk to someone who can give me real guidance on whether it's worth applying or if I should just start job hunting immediately.
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Aisha Abdullah
maybe try posting on local facebook groups for rideshares or see if any coworkers live near you?? just a thought
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Zara Ahmed
•I've asked around but most of my coworkers live on the opposite side of town from me. Facebook groups might be worth a shot though.
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Ethan Davis
THE UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS SO MESSED UP! They expect you to work but then when life happens and you literally CAN'T get to work they act like it's your fault. How are people supposed to maintain employment when one car repair can destroy everything?? This is exactly why so many people are struggling.
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Yuki Tanaka
•I feel you on this. The whole system assumes everyone has reliable transportation and emergency funds for repairs. Reality is most people are one major expense away from losing their job.
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Charlotte White
Have you considered reaching out to local community organizations or churches? Some areas have emergency transportation assistance programs or volunteer driver networks for people in situations like yours. Also, check if your county has any emergency financial assistance programs - sometimes they can help with critical car repairs that are needed to maintain employment. It's worth exhausting all these options before potentially losing your job, since as others mentioned, the unemployment qualification for transportation issues is really tough in NY.
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Anna Xian
•This is really helpful advice @Charlotte White! I hadn't thought about community organizations or churches having transportation assistance. Do you know how to find these programs? I'm in the Albany area and honestly don't even know where to start looking. The emergency financial assistance for car repairs sounds like it could be a lifesaver if those programs actually exist around here.
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