Can you collect unemployment if you get let go from a job - NYS Department of Labor eligibility?

Yes, you can definitely collect unemployment if you were laid off or terminated without cause. Since your employer eliminated your position due to downsizing, this qualifies as involuntary separation which makes you eligible for UI benefits. You'll need to file your initial claim on the NYS Department of Labor website and provide details about your separation. The key is that you weren't fired for misconduct.

File your claim ASAP - there's a waiting period and you want to get that clock ticking. You'll file online at labor.ny.gov and they'll ask for your employer info, dates of employment, and reason for separation. Since it was downsizing they'll probably approve it pretty quickly. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication.

Been there myself when my company did layoffs in 2023. Getting let go definitely qualifies you unless there was misconduct involved. The hardest part for me was actually getting through to NYS Department of Labor on the phone when I had questions about my claim status. Ended up using this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual person - you can check it out at claimyr.com, they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Made the whole process way less stressful.

just got laid off last month too and yeah you can collect as long as you didnt get fired for stealing or showing up drunk or whatever. my claim got approved in like 10 days

The NYS Department of Labor system is such a nightmare though. Even when you qualify it takes forever and half the time their website doesn't work. I swear they make it difficult on purpose to discourage people from filing. But yes, layoffs absolutely qualify you for benefits.

Sorry to hear about your layoff Ethan. Yes, you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits since your position was eliminated due to downsizing - that's considered involuntary separation through no fault of your own. When you file your claim online at labor.ny.gov, you'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the past 18 months, and details about your separation. The system will ask your employer to verify the reason for termination, but since they already told you it was downsizing and not for cause, you should be good to go. File as soon as possible since there's typically a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. Don't worry too much about proving it wasn't your fault - the burden is on the employer to show misconduct if they want to contest your claim.