Can you get NYS Department of Labor unemployment when you quit your job voluntarily?
I've been working at this retail store for 8 months and the manager has been making my life miserable. She's constantly changing my schedule last minute, making me work doubles without notice, and yesterday she screamed at me in front of customers for something that wasn't even my fault. I'm thinking about quitting but I really need to know - can I still file for unemployment benefits if I quit? I can't afford to be without income but I also can't take this toxic environment anymore. Has anyone been through this with NYS Department of Labor?
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Caleb Bell
Generally speaking, if you quit voluntarily you won't qualify for unemployment benefits in New York. However, there are exceptions for 'good cause' situations. Hostile work environment, unsafe conditions, or harassment can sometimes qualify as good cause for quitting. You'd need to document everything - save text messages about schedule changes, write down incidents with dates and witnesses. When you file your claim, NYS Department of Labor will investigate and make a determination.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•Thank you! I do have some text messages where she's changing my schedule with only a few hours notice. Should I try to get other coworkers to be witnesses too?
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Danielle Campbell
ugh i went through something similar last year. my boss was awful but i quit without documenting anything and got denied for benefits. wish i had known about the good cause thing beforehand
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Rhett Bowman
Before you quit, try filing a complaint with HR if your company has one, or with the Department of Labor for workplace violations. Having an official complaint on record can strengthen your case for good cause. Also consider looking for another job first if possible. If you do quit, make sure to file your unemployment claim immediately and be very detailed about why you left when they ask.
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Abigail Patel
•This is good advice but honestly trying to reach anyone at NYS Department of Labor by phone is impossible. I've been trying to get through for weeks about my claim and just get hung up on every time. The system is so broken.
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Daniel White
•I had the same problem with calling NYS Department of Labor until someone told me about Claimyr. It's this service that helps you actually get through to a real person at the unemployment office. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I finally got my claim issue resolved after months of trying on my own.
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Nolan Carter
Wait I'm confused - I thought if you quit you automatically can't get unemployment no matter what? My friend quit her job because her boss was harassing her and she said she couldn't get benefits. Maybe the rules changed?
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Caleb Bell
•The rules haven't changed but a lot of people don't know about the good cause exception. Your friend might have qualified but didn't present her case properly to NYS Department of Labor. The burden of proof is on the claimant to show they had good cause for quitting.
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Natalia Stone
Document EVERYTHING before you make any moves. Dates, times, what was said, who was there. Take photos if there are safety issues. NYS Department of Labor will want concrete evidence, not just your word against theirs. And honestly, start job hunting now while you're still employed - it's always easier to find work when you already have work.
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