Can LLC owner collect unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?

Generally speaking, LLC owners are not eligible for traditional unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor because you're considered self-employed, not an employee. However, there are some exceptions depending on how your LLC was structured and whether you elected to be treated as an S-corp for tax purposes. Did you pay yourself through payroll with unemployment taxes withheld?

If you didn't pay unemployment taxes on your own wages as an LLC owner, then unfortunately you won't be eligible for regular UI benefits. The NYS Department of Labor requires that you've had wages subject to unemployment insurance contributions. Your best bet might be to look into other assistance programs or start applying for traditional employment so you can build up eligibility for future claims.

wait i thought all business owners could get unemployment now?? my cousin said something about that

I had a similar issue trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about my eligibility when my partnership dissolved. The phone lines are impossible - kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person at NYS Department of Labor. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. The agent was able to explain my specific situation and what options I had. Might be worth checking out if you need to speak with someone directly about your LLC situation.

Just to add - if you're looking for work now, make sure you understand the job search requirements once you do become eligible for benefits in the future. NYS Department of Labor has specific rules about documenting your job search activities.