Can you file for unemployment as a student - NYS Department of Labor eligibility questions
I'm currently enrolled part-time at community college and just lost my job at a retail store where I worked 25 hours a week for the past 8 months. My manager said I can file for unemployment but I'm not sure if being a student affects my eligibility with NYS Department of Labor. I've been paying into the system from my paychecks so I assume I should qualify? Does anyone know if student status creates any issues with weekly claims or job search requirements? I really need the income to pay for books and rent.
10 comments
Join the conversation
Yara Nassar
Yes, you can definitely file for unemployment as a student in New York! The key factors are that you were working and paying into the UI system, which you were. Your student status doesn't automatically disqualify you. When you file your weekly claims, you'll need to report that you're available for work and actively seeking employment. Just make sure your school schedule doesn't prevent you from accepting suitable work offers during normal business hours.
0 coins
QuantumQuester
•That's a relief! I was worried about the job search requirement since my classes are Tuesday/Thursday mornings. Should I mention my class schedule when I file the initial claim?
0 coins
Keisha Williams
I was in a similar situation last year. Filed for unemployment while taking evening classes and had no problems with NYS Department of Labor. The important thing is being honest about your availability. If you can work around your class schedule, you should be fine. Just keep track of your job search activities like usual - applying for positions that fit your schedule.
0 coins
Paolo Ricci
•Did they ever ask you specifically about being a student during the application process or weekly certifications?
0 coins
Keisha Williams
•Not during the initial filing, but there are questions about availability for work on the weekly claims. I just answered honestly that I was available for work that didn't conflict with my class times.
0 coins
Amina Toure
The system is SO confusing about this stuff. I tried calling NYS Department of Labor three times last month to ask about student eligibility and could never get through to an actual person. Their website doesn't make it super clear either. Good luck getting answers!
0 coins
Oliver Zimmermann
•If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone, I recently discovered claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to unemployment agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I used it when my claim got stuck in adjudication and finally got to speak with someone after weeks of trying on my own.
0 coins
CosmicCommander
wait so being a student doesn't automatically make you ineligible?? I thought you had to be available for full time work to qualify for unemployment benefits. this is news to me
0 coins
Yara Nassar
•No, you don't need to be available for full-time work necessarily. You need to be available for suitable work based on your past employment history. If you were working part-time before losing your job, part-time work would be considered suitable. The key is being available during normal business hours and not restricting your job search too much.
0 coins
Natasha Volkova
Just make sure you can honestly answer yes to being available for work when you do your weekly claims. That's the big thing they care about.
0 coins