Can you get NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits if you resign from a job?
I'm thinking about quitting my job because my manager has been making the workplace really hostile and I can't take it anymore. But I'm worried about money and need to know - if you resign from a job can you get unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor? I've heard different things from people and want to make sure I understand the rules before I make this decision. Has anyone been approved for UI after resigning? What counts as a good reason?
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NeonNova
Generally speaking, if you voluntarily quit your job, you won't be eligible for unemployment benefits unless you can prove you had 'good cause' for leaving. NYS Department of Labor defines good cause pretty strictly - it has to be something that would make any reasonable person quit. Hostile work environment could qualify if you can document it, but the burden of proof is on you during the adjudication process.
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Ethan Wilson
•What kind of documentation would I need? I don't have any written complaints filed with HR or anything like that.
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Yuki Tanaka
I quit my last job due to harassment and got denied initially. You need emails, witness statements, documentation of complaints to management - basically anything that shows you tried to resolve the situation first. The NYS Department of Labor adjudicator will want to see that you made reasonable efforts to fix the problem before quitting.
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Ethan Wilson
•Did you end up appealing the denial? I'm worried I don't have enough evidence.
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Yuki Tanaka
•Yes, I appealed and won at the hearing. The key was having a coworker testify about what they witnessed. Even if you don't have written documentation, witness testimony can help your case.
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Carmen Diaz
idk about your situation but i quit my job last year because of my boss being terrible and got denied for benefits. they said it wasn't good enough reason even though he was yelling at everyone constantly
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Andre Laurent
If you're dealing with getting through to NYS Department of Labor to discuss your specific situation, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Much easier than trying to call the regular number and getting hung up on repeatedly.
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Ethan Wilson
•Thanks for the suggestion! I might need that if I end up having to go through the appeals process.
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Emily Jackson
The NYS Department of Labor system is so unfair when it comes to people quitting toxic jobs! They expect you to stay in abusive situations just to qualify for benefits. It's ridiculous that the burden is on workers to prove their workplace was unbearable.
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Liam Mendez
•I totally agree - the whole system is stacked against workers who are just trying to protect their mental health.
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Sophia Nguyen
Have you considered talking to a lawyer first? Some employment lawyers will give free consultations and might be able to advise whether your situation would qualify as constructive dismissal, which could strengthen your UI claim with NYS Department of Labor.
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