Can you collect unemployment a different way if regular claim was denied?
My regular unemployment claim got denied last month because they said I quit voluntarily (which isn't true but whatever). I'm wondering if there's a different way to collect unemployment benefits in NY? Like are there other programs or ways to file that might work? I really need the income and I'm not sure what my options are now. Has anyone been in this situation before?
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Millie Long
You have a few options here. First, you should definitely appeal that denial if you believe it was wrong - you have 30 days from the determination date. Second, depending on your situation, you might qualify for other programs like standby unemployment if you're temporarily laid off but expect to return to work. There's also partial unemployment if you're working reduced hours. What exactly was the reason they gave for the voluntary quit determination?
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Santiago Diaz
•They said I quit because I didn't show up for three days but I was actually sick and tried to call in. I didn't have a doctor's note though. The appeal deadline might have passed already, I got the letter like 5 weeks ago.
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KaiEsmeralda
ugh the NYS Department of Labor is so frustrating with their determinations! I got denied for the stupidest reason too
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Debra Bai
Even if the appeal deadline passed, you might still have options. You can request a late appeal if you have good cause for missing the deadline. Being sick could actually be good cause. Also, if your employer didn't follow proper procedures for documenting your absences, that could help your case. I'd suggest calling the NYS Department of Labor appeals office to see if they'll accept a late appeal. The number is usually hard to get through to though.
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Santiago Diaz
•I've been trying to call for weeks but can never get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor. It's impossible!
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Gabriel Freeman
•I had the same problem trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor about my appeal. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person. They have this video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Might be worth checking out since the regular phone lines are basically useless.
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Laura Lopez
Wait I'm confused - what's the difference between regular unemployment and standby unemployment? I thought there was only one type??
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Millie Long
•Standby is for when you're temporarily laid off but your employer expects to call you back within a specific timeframe. With standby, you don't have to do the job search requirements. Regular UI is for when you're permanently separated from your job and actively looking for new work.
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Victoria Brown
Just wanted to say good luck with whatever you decide to do. The whole unemployment system is set up to deny people and make it as hard as possible to get benefits.
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