Can I get unemployment if I only worked 3 months at my NYS Department of Labor claim?
Hey everyone, I'm really stressed about this. I started a new job in October but got laid off right after New Year's due to budget cuts. I only worked there for about 3 months total. Before that I was unemployed for like 8 months after my previous job ended in early 2024. I'm wondering if I can even qualify for unemployment benefits with such a short work period? I made decent money during those 3 months but I'm not sure if that's enough. Has anyone been in a similar situation with NYS Department of Labor? I really need the income right now to pay rent.
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Alina Rosenthal
You might still qualify! NYS looks at your earnings during what they call the 'base period' which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So they'll look at your earnings from both jobs, not just the recent one. As long as you earned at least $2,600 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least $3,900 during the entire base period, you should meet the monetary requirements.
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Mohammad Khaled
•Oh that's really helpful! So they count my previous job earnings too? I definitely made more than those amounts when I add both jobs together. Should I apply right away or wait?
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Finnegan Gunn
def apply asap, benefits are backdated to when you file not when you lost the job
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Miguel Harvey
I'm confused about this base period thing. I thought they only looked at your most recent job? I worked 6 months last year but then had a gap and worked 2 months this year before getting fired. Would my old job count or just the new one? This is so confusing and I can't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor on the phone.
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Ashley Simian
•The base period can be tricky. Generally it's quarters 2-5 before you file, but if you don't qualify under that they can use an alternate base period of quarters 1-4. Both your jobs would likely count as long as they fall within those timeframes. You should definitely file and let them calculate it for you.
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Oliver Cheng
•If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) last month. They basically get you through to an actual agent instead of being on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Taylor To
The system is so broken honestly. I worked 8 months and they still made me jump through hoops for weeks during adjudication. But yeah you should qualify with multiple jobs, just be prepared for delays and bureaucratic nonsense.
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Mohammad Khaled
•Ugh that's what I'm worried about. How long did your adjudication take? I need benefits soon or I'm going to be in serious trouble with bills.
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Diego Chavez
•Mine took about 3 weeks but I've heard it can vary a lot depending on your situation. The key is to respond to any requests for information immediately and keep checking your online account. Also make sure you keep certifying for benefits even during adjudication - they'll backpay you once it's approved. Hang in there!
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Finnegan Gunn
just file online its pretty easy, took me like 20 min
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