Can you get NY unemployment benefits after having a baby through C-section?

Unfortunately no, you don't qualify for unemployment in this situation. unemployment is for people who are ABLE to work but lost their job through no fault of their own. If you're medically unable to work, you don't meet the requirements. Have you looked into temporary disability insurance? That might be an option.

After spending weeks trying to get answers about maternity benefits, I finally got through to someone at NY unemployment using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). It saved me hours of waiting on hold and the agent was able to confirm exactly what I qualified for. Talking to an agent got my questions answered so fast instead of guessing. Check out this video about how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

Have you looked into applying for Medicaid? If your income will be significantly reduced during your recovery, you might qualify. They also have programs specifically for pregnant women and new mothers that have different income thresholds. Worth checking out!

Try calling your HR department directly. Even though you don't qualify for the full PFL, sometimes companies have other short-term leave policies or accommodations they can make. My sister was in a similar situation and her company let her use sick days combined with some unpaid leave with a guarantee to hold her position.

Ok so here's the COMPLETE breakdown of what you need to know about unemployment, disability, and childbirth in NY: First, as others have said, regular unemployment is NOT an option because you have to certify weekly that you are ABLE to work, AVAILABLE to work, and ACTIVELY seeking work. After a C-section, you clearly won't meet those requirements. Your options are: 1) NYS Disability Benefits (DB): If you've worked in NY for at least 4 consecutive weeks, you might qualify for this. It's not much (max $170/week) but better than nothing. You should apply through your employer. 2) Ask about a Disability Buy-Up program at work - some employers offer this option that you can pay into for better coverage. 3) Check if your company has any short-term disability policy, even for new employees. 4) If truly desperate, see if you qualify for emergency assistance through DSS/HRA. I went through this nightmare myself last year and eventually had to call unemployment directly to sort it all out. Save yourself the headache of trying to call them yourself and use claimyr.com - they'll wait on hold and connect you to an actual human who can look at your specific situation. Trust me, it's worth every penny when you're dealing with a newborn and trying to figure out finances. Hope this helps and congrats on your baby!

My wife just went through this. You def don't qualify for unemployment but you should still be eligible for NYS disability if you worked at least 4 weeks. It's not much ($170/week max) but its something! Also look into WIC and SNAP benefits while you're out of work.

the system is rigged against women i swear. having a baby is basically a financial penalty in this country 🤮

I was in the EXACT same boat last year! Didn't qualify for PFL but was able to get NYS disability benefits. It's not much money but it helped. You need Form DB-450 from your doctor. Submit it ASAP because there's processing time.

try calling 211 - they can connect you with all kinds of resources for pregnant women and new moms. my cousin got help with bills, food, and even some baby supplies through programs they recommended.

Check if your hospital has a financial assistance program! Many do, and they can help reduce your medical bills which might free up some money for living expenses. Also ask about their social worker - they often know about local resources.

Anyone saying to apply for disability is correct BUT be aware that NYS disability is TERRIBLE compared to other states. Maximum benefit is only $170 per week (yes, PER WEEK, not a typo). It's basically nothing compared to your normal pay. The whole system needs an overhaul.

Im a single mom who had a c-section last year. Got denied for unemployment like everyone said, but I was able to piece together help from: 1) disability ($170/wk), 2) WIC for food, 3) got on Medicaid temporarily, 4) local church helped with some bills. It was tough but I made it work.

hate to be that person but why didn't you plan for this financially before getting pregnant? genuine question.

Call your local department of social services IMMEDIATELY. When I had my C-section last year and wasn't eligible for PFL, they helped me get emergency assistance, SNAP benefits, and pointed me to other resources. Don't wait - these applications can take time to process.

i'll probably get downvoted but have you considered asking family for help? i know its not ideal but sometimes we gotta swallow our pride. my mom moved in with me for 2 months after my c-section and it was a lifesaver both financially and for recovery.