Can I go on unemployment - NYS Department of Labor eligibility requirements?
I've been working at a retail job for about 8 months but my hours got cut down to like 10 hours a week because business is slow. My manager said they might have to let some people go soon. I'm barely making enough to pay rent and I'm wondering if I can apply for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? What are the requirements to qualify? Do I need to wait until I'm completely laid off or can I file now with reduced hours?
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William Schwarz
You might qualify for partial unemployment benefits since your hours were reduced significantly. NYS Department of Labor allows claims when your work hours are cut substantially. You need to have worked long enough to earn sufficient wages in your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters). The general requirement is you need to have worked at least 2 calendar quarters and earned a minimum amount.
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Ella Knight
•Thanks! How do I figure out if I earned enough? Is there a minimum dollar amount I need to have made?
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Lauren Johnson
For 2025, you need to have earned at least $3,100 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least $4,650 in your base period. Since you've been working 8 months, you should check your pay stubs to calculate your quarterly earnings. With partial unemployment, you can work up to 3 days per week or earn up to the weekly benefit amount and still collect some benefits.
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Ella Knight
•That's really helpful! I think I might qualify based on what I've earned. Where do I apply for NYS Department of Labor benefits?
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Jade Santiago
ugh the whole unemployment system is such a pain. i tried filing last year and it took FOREVER to get approved. you have to file weekly claims and do job searches and all this bureaucratic nonsense
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Caleb Stone
You can file online at labor.ny.gov - that's the easiest way. Make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your most recent pay stub. You'll also need to register for work search activities, but with partial unemployment the requirements might be different since you're still employed.
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Daniel Price
•Just want to add - if you have trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone to ask questions about your claim, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me time instead of calling for hours.
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Olivia Evans
yeah you can definitely apply with reduced hours. i did it when my restaurant cut everyone's shifts during slow season. just be honest about your current work situation when you file
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William Schwarz
One important thing - you'll need to report your weekly earnings when you file your weekly claims. NYS Department of Labor will calculate your partial benefit amount based on what you earn each week. Don't worry if it seems complicated at first, the system will guide you through it.
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Ella Knight
•This all sounds manageable. I'm going to gather my pay stubs and apply this week. Thanks everyone for the help!
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