Can you get denied unemployment - NYS Department of Labor rejection reasons?

Yes, you can definitely get denied but your situation sounds like it might qualify. NYS Department of Labor looks at whether you're unemployed through no fault of your own. Reduced hours that make work economically unfeasible can sometimes qualify as good cause for leaving. You'll need to document that the hour reduction made it impossible to meet basic living expenses.

Main denial reasons I've seen: quitting without good cause, getting fired for misconduct, not being able and available for work, or not meeting the work history requirements. Your situation sounds borderline - they'll probably put it in adjudication to review the circumstances of why you left.

I got denied twice before finally getting approved on appeal. First time was because I couldn't prove I was actively looking for work (didn't know about the job search log requirement). Second time they said I quit voluntarily but I had documentation showing constructive dismissal. Don't give up if you get initially denied - the appeals process actually works if you have documentation.

Honestly, getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on denials or ask questions is nearly impossible. I tried calling for weeks about my adjudication status. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that connects you directly to agents - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Got through same day and found out exactly what documentation they needed for my case.

The system is totally broken anyway. They deny people for the stupidest reasons then make you jump through hoops to appeal. I know someone who got denied because they marked 'yes' to being available for part-time work thinking that would help their chances, but apparently that disqualifies you somehow??

same boat here, hours got cut and bills piling up

I went through something similar last year when my employer cut everyone's hours due to "restructuring." The key thing that helped me was documenting everything - I kept all my old schedules showing full-time hours, new schedules showing the drastic cut, and even calculated how the reduced income was below my basic living expenses (rent, utilities, food). NYS DOL approved my claim because I could prove the hour reduction was substantial and made continuing employment economically unfeasible. Make sure you emphasize that you didn't have a choice - the employer's decision to cut your hours forced you into an impossible financial situation. It's not considered "voluntary" quitting when the working conditions become untenable through the employer's actions.