Can you collect unemployment while on unpaid medical leave from work?

Unfortunately, you generally can't collect unemployment while on unpaid medical leave because you have to be able and available for work to qualify for UI benefits. Since you're unable to work due to medical reasons, NYS Department of Labor would likely deny your claim. However, you should look into New York State Disability Benefits (DBL) instead - that's specifically designed for when you can't work due to illness or injury.

yeah my sister tried this last year when she had surgery and they denied her unemployment claim right away. she ended up getting the state disability stuff instead which paid like 50% of her salary or something

The disability benefits application is separate from unemployment - you apply through your employer's disability insurance carrier, not through NYS Department of Labor. Most employers in NY are required to provide this coverage. Check with your HR department about how to file for DBL. The key difference is unemployment requires you to be actively seeking work, while disability benefits are for when you medically cannot work.

This is such a frustrating gap in the system! Like you're stuck between being too sick to work but not qualifying for the right benefits. I had a friend who tried calling NYS Department of Labor about this exact situation and spent weeks on hold just to be told no. Have you considered using a service like Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually get through to an agent? They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how they help people reach NYS Department of Labor representatives when the phone lines are impossible.

Just want to add that even though you can't get unemployment during medical leave, once you're cleared to return to work and if your employer doesn't have a position available for you immediately, THEN you might be eligible for unemployment benefits. But definitely pursue the disability benefits first - that's your best option for income replacement during recovery.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago when I needed surgery. The whole system is confusing but here's what I learned: You definitely can't get unemployment while on medical leave because you have to certify that you're able and available to work each week. But New York State Disability Benefits saved me - it's usually 50% of your average weekly wage up to a cap. The application process was way easier than I expected too. Your employer should have given you info about their disability insurance carrier when you started, but if not, HR should be able to help you get the forms. Don't wait to apply because there might be a waiting period before benefits kick in. Good luck with your procedure and recovery!