Can I get ny unemployment for covid quarantine time after exposure at work?

Thank you! Did your employer fight it at all? Mine seems kinda sketchy about the whole thing and im worried theyll try to deny it.

My employer actually helped me with the process. They should be providing you with documentation of the quarantine requirement. If they're being difficult, get the health department document showing your exposure date and quarantine period.

just fyi this might not work anymore. my cousin tried this last month and was denied because they said the covid emergency programs ended. anyone know if thats true?

The special COVID programs did end, but regular unemployment should still cover quarantine if you're missing work with no pay. It's basically a temporary layoff situation.

Is this for real? The ny unemployment phone system is literally hell. I spent 4 days calling and never got through.

100% real. I was skeptical too but I was desperate after spending 3 days trying to get through. They basically call for you, wait on hold, then connect you when a real person picks up. Talking to an agent got my issue fixed in one call.

yeah right, another 'miracle solution'... what's the catch? 🙄

No catch - it just works. I was in the same boat as OP with a COVID quarantine situation. Had to explain my specific circumstances to an agent. Without getting through on the phone I would've been screwed.

not falling for another unemployment 'hack'... these never work

I actually used this last month for a different issue. Was worth every penny after I wasted 3 days trying to call myself. Got my benefits released the same day I finally talked to someone.

I looked into that but it seems like the COVID sick leave requires you to actually test positive or be under a mandatory order of quarantine from the health department. My situation is just exposure and company policy. Would that still count?

If the health department contacted you officially, that might count as a mandatory quarantine order. Did they send you any documentation? If not, unemployment is probably your best bet.

The paid leave program changed a bunch of times. Last I heard, exposure quarantines weren't covered anymore unless you actually get sick. Unemployment is easier at this point.

This is wrong info. You absolutely can collect unemployment for temporary loss of work, even if you're still technically employed. I did it during a 3-week factory shutdown last year.

Really? I always thought it was only for when you're completely laid off. My bad.

Yeah unemployment also covers reduced hours or temporary layoffs. Its called partial unemployment.

wait hold up - does this actually work or is it just the usual BS?

Which part? The unemployment claim process I outlined is standard procedure. The Claimyr thing is a service that connects you to unemployment phone lines - several of my employees used it when they couldn't get through themselves.

I can vouch for the process above - this is exactly how I got approved for a 2 week quarantine period back in January. Got paid for both weeks.

Thank you for this detailed breakdown! I'm going to file tonight.

Most places have strict requirements for covid sick leave now. Unless OP tested positive or has a doctor's order, they probably won't qualify.

THIS!!! I made the mistake of mentioning COVID and was stuck in pending for 6 weeks. My friend applied same day, said temporary layoff, and got paid in 10 days. The system is broken.

Really good advice, thank you! This is exactly what I needed to know.

I filed 3 weeks ago and still pending. System is slow af right now.

My claim took 4 days in February, but my coworker's took 3 weeks in March. Seems totally random tbh.

If you need it approved fast, use claimyr.com to talk to an agent. They can often push it through while you're on the phone. That's what I had to do.

That was true during the height of the pandemic but a lot of those protections expired. Now it depends on the specific workplace policy and if OP qualifies for state sick leave.

6 weeks?? Omg I can't wait that long... Did you keep certifying every week while waiting?

Yes, you MUST keep certifying every week even while waiting for approval. That's how they know which weeks to pay you for once approved.

I had the same thing happen. The appeal process is actually pretty quick once you get through. I called using claimyr.com and spoke to someone who helped speed up my appeal. Got approved 3 days later.

So true. They make everything complicated on purpose hoping people will just give up trying.

Have you tried calling? I was stuck in pending for a month, then finally got through on the phone and they fixed it while I was on the call. Use claimyr.com if you can't get through - that's what finally worked for me.

Thanks for the warning. My manager was the one who suggested it, so hopefully that means they won't fight it.

Use claimyr.com - I was in the same boat until someone on here recommended it. Got through in under an hour after weeks of trying myself.

Never heard of it but I'll check it out. At this point I'd try anything.

Thank you for the insider perspective! This makes me feel more confident about applying.

LMAO so true. I feel like I need a PhD to understand half the questions they ask.

The website is trash but talking to an actual human on the phone helps so much. They can override stuff in the system the website can't do. I ended up using claimyr.com since I couldn't get through on my own.