Can I reapply for NY unemployment if I worked during the 18-month base period? Laid off recently

The 18-month base period is key here. In NY, you have two possible base periods: the basic base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you apply) or the alternate base period (the last four completed calendar quarters). Since you worked from September 2024 to April 2025, those wages would fall within your base period if you apply now. Generally, you need to have: - Worked in at least two calendar quarters - Earned at least $2,900 in one quarter - Total wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter So if you worked steadily from September 2024 to April 2025, you'll likely qualify for a new claim. The system will automatically calculate which base period gives you the best benefit rate.

u should be fine to apply i got laid off 3 times in 2 years and was able to get benefits each time, just make sure u report all ur work history accurately when u file

It's so FRUSTRATING trying to figure this out!!! I was in a similar situation last year and spent WEEKS trying to get a straight answer. The website says one thing, then when you call (IF you can even get through) they tell you something completely different. I ended up having to file 3 TIMES before my claim went through because they kept claiming my information didn't match their records!!! The whole system is designed to make us give up!!!

good luck getting an answer on the phone lol I tried for 2 weeks straight and never got through. kept getting disconnected or put on hold forever. wasted so much time

Im in almost exactly the same situation!! Got laid off in December 2023, found work in August 2024, and just got let go again in March 2025. I was so worried I wouldn't qualify for a new claim but I just got approved last week! They used my wages from Q3 and Q4 2024 plus Q1 2025. My weekly benefit is lower than last time but at least I'm getting something while I job hunt. What kills me is how they make everything so complicated that you feel like you're doing something wrong all the time???

To directly answer your question: Yes, you will qualify for a new benefit year based on your work from September 2024 to April 2025. Technical explanation: NY unemployment uses a base period of either: - The first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters (basic) - The last 4 completed calendar quarters (alternate) The system automatically selects whichever gives you a higher benefit rate. Your employment from September 2024 to April 2025 spans multiple quarters, which satisfies the requirement of working in at least two calendar quarters. When you apply, use your existing NY.gov ID. Select "File A New Claim" rather than reopen an existing claim. The system will determine which base period to use and calculate your benefit rate based on your reported wages during those quarters.

When I reapplied after my second layoff they DENIED me saying I didn't make enough!! I had to file an appeal and wait almost 6 WEEKS before someone fixed it. Turns out one of my employers hadn't reported my wages properly! Make sure all your employers from the last 18 months reported your wages correctly or you'll be stuck in limbo!!!!

btw dont forget they look at the quarters weird, like january-march is one quarter, april-june is another. so make sure u worked in at least 2 different quarters

I went through this exact scenario in February. The key is to start a new claim rather than trying to reopen your old one. Your work from September to April definitely qualifies you for a new benefit year. What's frustrating is how impossible it is to get someone on the phone if you have questions. I tried for days before discovering Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an agent within 30 minutes. The agent confirmed that my new employment qualified me and helped make sure my application was processed correctly. Saved me tons of stress since I had a specific question about my variable income that wasn't covered in the FAQs.

One more thing to keep in mind: Your new weekly benefit amount will be based on your earnings during the base period used. Since your temp job may have paid differently than your previous job, your weekly benefit amount might be different from your previous claim. Also, when you file, the system will ask about all employment in the last 18 months, so have information about both your temp job and the job before that ready. Include accurate start and end dates and employer information for both.