Can stay at home mom collect unemployment benefits in NY?
I've been a stay at home mom for the past 3 years but I'm wondering if I can collect unemployment now? My husband lost his job last month and we really need the extra income. I worked full time before having kids and paid into the system for about 8 years. Does anyone know if NYS Department of Labor allows this? I'm confused about the work search requirements too since I have childcare issues.
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Freya Thomsen
Unfortunately, to qualify for unemployment benefits in NY you need to be able and available for work. If you're staying home to care for children and can't work, you won't meet the eligibility requirements. The NYS Department of Labor requires that you actively search for work and be ready to accept suitable employment. You also need recent work history - benefits are based on wages from your base period which is typically the first 4 quarters of the last 5 completed quarters.
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Ravi Sharma
•So even though I paid in for years, I can't get anything? That seems really unfair. What if I could arrange childcare for part time work?
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Omar Zaki
Actually, you might still be eligible if you can show you're able and available for work. The key is proving you have reliable childcare arrangements or can work around your family schedule. When you file your weekly claim certification, you'll need to answer yes to being able and available for work. You'll also need to document your job search activities - applying to at least 3 jobs per week and keeping records.
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AstroAce
•This is what I did! I arranged for my mom to watch the kids during the day and was able to get benefits for 6 months while I looked for work.
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Chloe Martin
The phone lines at NYS Department of Labor are impossible to get through to ask questions like this. I've been trying for weeks to get clarification on my own claim status. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?
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Diego Rojas
•I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. They help you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents when you can't reach them yourself. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was finally able to get my adjudication issue resolved after being stuck for a month.
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Anastasia Sokolov
just apply and see what happens, worst they can do is deny you right??
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Freya Thomsen
•That's not good advice. Filing a fraudulent claim can result in penalties and you could be required to pay back any benefits received. Better to understand the requirements first.
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Sean O'Donnell
I think there might be other programs for families in your situation. Have you looked into SNAP benefits or WIC? Sometimes there are state assistance programs that might help bridge the gap while your husband looks for work.
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