Can you draw unemployment if you quit a job - NYS Department of Labor eligibility question
I'm in a really tough spot right now and need to know if I can get unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor if I quit my job. My manager has been making my life hell for months now - constantly changing my schedule last minute, giving me impossible deadlines, and basically creating a hostile work environment. I've been there for almost 2 years but I just can't take it anymore. Will NYS Department of Labor approve my claim if I voluntarily quit? I heard something about 'good cause' but not sure what that means exactly. Has anyone been through this before?
13 comments
Join the conversation
Wesley Hallow
You can potentially qualify for unemployment benefits even if you quit, but NYS Department of Labor requires you to prove you had 'good cause' for leaving. This includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay, or constructive dismissal situations. You'll need to document everything - keep emails, write down incidents with dates and times, and gather any witnesses. When you file your claim, you'll need to explain your reasons thoroughly during the adjudication process.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•Thank you! I do have some emails saved where my manager was being unreasonable. Should I file the claim right away or wait until I actually quit?
0 coins
Justin Chang
Document EVERYTHING before you quit. NYS Department of Labor will investigate your claim and they need proof that you had no other choice. Take screenshots of harassing messages, keep a written log of incidents, and if possible try to resolve the issues through HR first - this shows you made a good faith effort. The burden of proof is on you to show the working conditions were intolerable.
0 coins
Grace Thomas
•This is solid advice. I quit my job last year due to harassment and got approved, but only because I had documented everything and went through proper channels first.
0 coins
Hunter Brighton
I was in a similar situation and tried calling NYS Department of Labor for weeks to get clarification before I quit, but could never get through to anyone. The phone lines are always busy and the online chat system is useless. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real NYS Department of Labor agent within hours. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. The agent was able to explain exactly what documentation I needed before making my decision.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•That sounds really helpful! I've been trying to call for days with no luck. Did the agent give you specific advice about your situation?
0 coins
Hunter Brighton
•Yes, they explained the whole good cause process and what evidence would be strongest for my particular circumstances. Much better than trying to guess from the website.
0 coins
Dylan Baskin
Just be aware that even with good cause, the adjudication process can take WEEKS. NYS Department of Labor will contact your former employer to get their side of the story, and they might dispute your claims. I quit due to unsafe conditions last month and I'm still waiting for a decision. Make sure you have some savings to cover bills while you wait.
0 coins
Kennedy Morrison
•Oh no, I didn't realize it could take that long. How do you survive financially during the wait?
0 coins
Lauren Wood
The system is so messed up honestly. They make it nearly impossible to prove good cause unless you have a lawyer or something. I quit because my boss was sexually harassing me and they STILL denied my claim initially. Had to appeal and it took 3 months total to get approved. Save yourself the headache and try to get fired instead if possible.
0 coins
Wesley Hallow
•I understand the frustration, but deliberately trying to get fired can backfire if the employer documents misconduct. It's better to properly document the hostile work environment and quit with good cause.
0 coins
Ellie Lopez
yeah my cousin quit her job last year and got unemployment no problem, just told them she had to quit for personal reasons or something. not sure why everyone's making it sound so complicated lol
0 coins
Wesley Hallow
•That's not accurate - 'personal reasons' typically don't qualify as good cause under NYS Department of Labor rules. Your cousin may have had other qualifying factors or there might be missing details to her situation.
0 coins