Can I get unemployment if I quit because of COVID-19 concerns at my job?

Yes, you may qualify for unemployment benefits if you quit due to unsafe working conditions, including COVID-related health concerns. NYS Department of Labor considers this 'good cause' for leaving employment. You'll need to document the unsafe conditions - keep records of any communications with your employer about safety concerns, take photos if possible, and save any medical documentation about your asthma. When you file your claim, you'll need to explain the situation during the adjudication process.

i quit my job last year because of covid and got approved for benefits but it took forever to get through adjudication. they asked for like tons of documentation and medical records. just be prepared for a long wait

Document everything before you quit! Email your manager about the safety concerns so you have it in writing. If they don't respond or refuse to address the issues, that strengthens your case. Also check if your company has a written COVID safety policy and whether they're following it. The NYS Department of Labor will want to see that you tried to resolve the situation before quitting.

Getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on your claim status or explain your situation can be really frustrating with their phone system. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks trying to get someone to review my documentation. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier than sitting on hold for hours.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE! I quit because my workplace was basically a COVID breeding ground and they STILL denied my claim initially. Had to go through the whole appeal process which took months. Even with medical documentation they act like you're trying to scam them. Good luck but prepare for a fight.

Just wanted to say I'm in a similar situation at my warehouse job. Management keeps saying everything is fine but people are getting sick left and right. It's scary having to choose between your health and paying bills.