Can you collect unemployment from a seasonal job in NY - NYS Department of Labor rules?
I just finished my seasonal job at a ski resort in the Catskills and wondering if I can file for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? I worked there from December through March, about 16 weeks total, and made around $12,000. The resort always lets everyone go at the end of ski season and we're expected to come back next December. I've never filed for UI before so not sure if seasonal work counts or if there are special rules. Anyone know how this works with NYS Department of Labor?
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Nia Thompson
Yes, you can definitely collect unemployment from seasonal work in NY! The key is whether you have enough wages in your base period to qualify. Since you worked 16 weeks and earned $12k, you should meet the minimum requirements. NYS Department of Labor treats seasonal layoffs the same as regular layoffs - it's not your fault the season ended. You'll need to file weekly claims and do job searches unless you're on approved standby status.
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Luca Esposito
•Thanks! What's standby status? The resort manager mentioned something about that but I wasn't really paying attention.
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Mateo Rodriguez
Standby is when your employer expects to recall you within a specific timeframe. If your ski resort filed standby paperwork with NYS Department of Labor, you might not have to do job searches while collecting. But you still need to file your weekly claims and be available for work if they call you back early.
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Aisha Abdullah
•My cousin worked at a summer camp and was on standby status. Made collecting UI way easier since she didn't have to prove she was looking for other jobs.
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Ethan Wilson
I tried calling NYS Department of Labor about my seasonal situation last year and could never get through. The phone lines are always busy and the website doesn't clearly explain seasonal rules. Ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Finally got my questions answered about whether my summer job at a beach resort qualified.
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Luca Esposito
•How much did that cost? I'm already worried about money between now and next season.
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Ethan Wilson
•It was worth it to avoid the headache of calling dozens of times. Much easier than spending hours trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor.
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NeonNova
Wait so if I'm seasonal do I have to apply for other jobs while collecting?? This is so confusing. What if there literally aren't any ski instructor jobs available in July? NYS Department of Labor expects me to apply for random stuff I'm not qualified for?
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Nia Thompson
•If you're not on standby status, yes you need to do job searches. But you can apply for any work you're reasonably qualified for - doesn't have to be ski instruction. Restaurant work, retail, summer recreation jobs, etc. The requirement is that you're actively seeking employment.
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Yuki Tanaka
ugh the whole system is messed up IMO. seasonal workers get screwed because we're always in this limbo between jobs but the government acts like we're just lazy. I worked my butt off all winter and now I have to jump through hoops to get MY money back that they took in taxes.
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Carmen Diaz
•I feel you on this. The job search requirement is ridiculous for seasonal work.
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Chloe Harris
Just wanted to add that you should definitely apply ASAP since there's usually a waiting period before benefits start. Also, keep all your pay stubs and any paperwork from the resort - NYS Department of Labor will need to verify your wages. I worked seasonal construction and it took a few weeks to get everything processed. One tip: when you file your weekly claims, be honest about any odd jobs or cash work you might pick up between seasons since they'll cross-reference with other agencies.
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GalacticGuardian
•This is really helpful advice! I didn't realize I needed to report odd jobs while collecting. What happens if I pick up like a weekend landscaping gig or something? Do I need to report that even if it's just a day or two of work? And how does that affect my weekly benefit amount?
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