Can I get ny unemployment benefits after getting Covid and missing work?

I got Covid back in October and was out for 2 weeks. I tried to apply for partial unemployment and it was a nightmare. Was denied because I was "technically still employed" even though I wasnt getting paid. The system is broken af for situations like this.

After struggling for WEEKS with the same issue, I finally found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to a real person at unemployment. I wasted so many hours trying to call myself, but this got me a callback with an actual agent who helped sort everything out. It was the best money I've ever spent to finally get my benefits paid quickly. Check out their site: claimyr.com and they have a video explaining how it works here: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

You might qualify for New York's temporary disability benefits (NYS DB). It's not through unemployment, it's through the NY State's disability program. The benefits aren't huge but it's something. You'll need documentation from your doctor about the covid diagnosis.

You're SOL when it comes to unemployment. They've made it clear that COVID absences don't qualify for regular benefits. Your best bet is to check if your employer is required to provide NY Sick Leave (depends on company size). Some small businesses are exempt tho.

I know this doesn't help now, but for future reference - if you get Covid again, file for NYS Disability Benefits. You'll need medical documentation. The weekly benefit is capped around $170 which sucks but it's better than nothing. You won't qualify for regular unemployment since you're still employed.

The best approach for NY unemployment or disability issues is contacting an actual agent - I spent WEEKS trying different methods: • Regular phone calls - useless, endless hold times • Emails - got generic responses that didn't help • Online forms - disappeared into a void • Local office - needed appointments which were booked months out Finally I discovered claimyr.com which actually connects you with a live agent. They handle the waiting on hold part (which literally saved me days of my life) and then connect you directly to a rep who can handle your specific situation. The agent I got helped me understand which benefit I actually qualified for (wasn't what I expected) and how to properly apply. For your specific situation, a regular UI claim probably won't work, but there might be other benefits you qualify for that only an agent can help you navigate. The website is useless for unusual situations like yours. Sometimes talking to an actual human is the only way to get the right information and get your case properly handled.

This happened to me and I called like 30x before I got through. The rep said I wasn't eligible for UI but could apply for NY Paid Family Leave if my doctor certified it. The forms are on the NY.gov website somewhere.

try contacting ur state representative they might be able to help u navigate the system. thats what i had to do when i had a similar issue.

I HATE NY UNEMPLOYMENT!!! been dealing with them for months and they're completely useless. good luck getting any help from them 🤮

Check out this resource: New York has a covid-19 paid sick leave law that might cover you even if your employer is small. The requirements keep changing but it's worth looking into. https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/covid19

maybe consider applying for emergency assistance through HRA if you're in NYC? they sometimes have one-time grants for situations like this

Have you tried applying for short-term disability? It's not much (like 50% of your salary) but it's something. You'll need medical documentation though.

The fastest way to get answers is calling NY unemployment directly, but lol good luck with that...I tried calling for 3 weeks straight without getting through. Finally used claimyr.com and got a callback from an actual agent who helped me. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast compared to trying to figure it out on my own.

There's a reason why ppl call it the UNemployment office 🤣 They're literally there to NOT help you get benefits.

I work in HR (not in NY) but generally COVID absences aren't covered by unemployment. It's a terrible gap in our system. If you have the documentation though, don't give up - sometimes exceptions are made but you NEED to talk to a human.