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Can I reapply for NY unemployment if I worked in the last 18 months?

Got laid off from my retail job back in August 2022 and collected unemployment until about February 2023. Then I landed a warehouse position in April 2023, but they just cut my hours completely last week due to "seasonal adjustments" (basically fired without saying fired). I've heard you can file a new unemployment claim if you've worked within the past 18 months. Since I worked from April 2023 to October 2023, would I qualify for a new claim? Or do I need to try reopening my old claim somehow? The online system is so confusing and I keep getting stuck in these loops when I try to file. Anyone dealt with this recently?

Yeah you can file a new claim based on that work history. The 18 month lookback period is correct. Since you worked from April to October 2023, that definitely falls within the base period they'll consider. Just make sure when filing you have all your employment info from that warehouse job ready (employer name, address, dates worked, reason for separation).

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Thanks! Do you know if they'll consider my previous wages too or just what I earned at the warehouse? The pay was a lot less at the warehouse job.

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They look at your highest earning quarter in the base period, so if your retail job falls within that time they'll consider those wages too. Your benefit amount is based on your total earnings during the base period.

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This is mostly right but they actually look at highest quarter AND alternate quarter calculations and give you the higher amount. The system does this automatically though.

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Is this for real? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to get through to them...

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Yeah it's 100% real. I was skeptical too but after spending literal DAYS trying to get through on my own, it was the best decision ever. They just stay on hold for you and then connect you when someone picks up.

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wait hold up - does this actually work or is it just the usual BS? The unemployment phone system is like entering the 9th circle of hell 🔥

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It worked for me! I had issues for over a month, used claimyr.com, got through to someone who fixed my claim in 10 minutes. Wish I'd known about it sooner tbh

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hmm I've been burned by so many of these 'services' before... what makes this different? the system seems designed to make us give up 🙄

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They don't handle your claim or anything - they literally just get you past the hold times. You still talk directly to the unemployment office yourself. That's why it works.

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You totally qualify to file a new claim since you worked in past 18 months. I was in simlar situation last year. The key thing to remember is to apply as a NEW claim, not reopen the old one. Reopening is for when your benefit year hasn't ended yet. Since your previous benefit year from 2022 is over, you need a completely new application.

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I just went through this EXACT situation in september! So the way it works is they'll look at two different base periods - the standard one (first 4 of last 5 completed calendar quarters) and alternate base period (last 4 completed quarters). If you made enough wages in either period, you qualify. You definitely worked enough months to qualify if you had decent hours. Just make sure you have all your wage info ready!

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That's super helpful! Do you remember what kind of documentation they asked for from your most recent job?

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They didn't ask me for anything upfront, but I had my final paystub and W2 ready just in case. They verify everything with your employer directly. If there's a discrepancy they might ask for proof later.

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The NY unemployment system is a total dumpster fire rn 🔥 My BFF had the EXACT same situation and they kept rejecting her claim saying she didnt have enough work history even tho she worked like 7 months!! Had to call like 50 times to get it fixed. Persistence is key with these clowns 🤡

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Oh no that sounds awful! Did she eventually get approved?

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Yeah but only after she got through to a supervisor. The first-level reps kept giving her different answers everytime she called. System is broken AF 💯

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Yo the rules for NY unemployment can be confusing, but here's what you need to know: First, yes you can absolutely file a new claim if you've worked since your last claim. The system looks at your work history in what's called a "base period" - either the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters OR the last 4 completed quarters (whichever gives you better benefits). Since you worked April-October 2023, you've definitely got work history in the base period. Here's what to do: - File a completely NEW claim (don't try to reopen) - Make sure you have exact start/end dates for the warehouse job - Have your total earnings from that job ready - If they ask why you're no longer working, be careful how you phrase it. "Hours reduced to zero" or "Lack of work" is better than saying you were fired - If you get stuck in the online system, try using a different browser or clearing cookies - If all else fails, getting through to a human is key. I used claimyr.com to get past the ridiculous hold times and had my issue resolved in one call One last thing - your benefit amount will likely be different than your previous claim since it's based on your more recent earnings. But even if the warehouse job paid less, you should still qualify for something. Good luck!

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Thank you SO much for the detailed breakdown! This is exactly what I needed. Going to try filing first thing tomorrow morning.

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This is spot on advice. I'm a former claims specialist (not for NY but similar system) and this is 100% accurate info.

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did u try calling them? thats the only way i got answers when i was in your boat. online system is trash.

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I've tried a few times but kept getting disconnected after waiting for like an hour 😩

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When I had this issue, I found the online chat feature on the NYSDOL website worked better than calling. Still had to wait but at least I could do other stuff while waiting instead of being stuck on the phone.

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Whether you qualify depends on if you earned enough during your base period. You need to have earned at least $2,900 in one quarter and total wages of 1.5× your high quarter in the entire base period. So if your highest quarter was $3,000, you need at least $4,500 total across all base period quarters.

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Thanks for the specific numbers! I definitely made more than that at the warehouse job so should be good on that front.

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These answers are wild lol. Let me make it simple - YES you can apply with work history in the last 18 months. NO you don't need to reopen your old claim. Your benefit amount will be based on how much you earned at that warehouse job. If you get stuck in their garbage website, call them (I know, I know... the wait times are criminal

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i HATE the ny unemployment system with a PASSION. took me 7 months to get paid last time 🤮 best advice i can give: document EVERYTHING. dates, times, who you talked to. the system is designed to make you give up.

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This 👆 I ended up printing out every confirmation screen and keeping a log of every call. Came in handy when they tried to deny my claim saying I never submitted certain documents.

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exaaaactly!! they WILL try to find any reason to deny you. CYA is the name of the game with these people

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My cousin works for unemployment (not in NY tho) and she said the 18 month thing is correct but sometimes the automatic system doesn't recognize newer employment right away. You might have to call and have them manually add your recent work history if the online system gives you problems.

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the real question is how did you manage to get a job so quick after being on unemployment and then lose it so fast? maybe focus on keeping a job instead of collection checks? just saying what everyones thinking...

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The warehouse was seasonal and they told me that from the start. I didn't expect to be first on the chopping block but here we are. Not sure why you're assuming the worst about someone you don't know.

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Don't listen to this troll. These are tough times and seasonal work is normal in this economy. You paid into the system, you deserve your benefits.

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whatever, im just tired of my tax $ going to people who cant keep jobs 🤷‍♂️

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You realize unemployment is literally insurance that workers and employers pay into right? It's not welfare. Maybe learn how the system works before judging others.

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Lots of advice here but FYI the rules changed slightly in July. You now need to have worked in at least two quarters of your base period, not just one. But sounds like you worked April-Oct so you're good on that front.

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If the system gives you trouble online, call first thing in the morning like 7:59am right when they open. Thats how i got through without waiting 3 hours.

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I tried this for 2 weeks straight and still couldnt get thru 😭 ended up using claimyr.com to get a callback and it worked

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make sure u answer "yes" when they ask if you've worked since last claiming benefits!! i answered "no" by accident thinking they meant since my last weekly certification and it caused a huge mess that took forever to fix

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