Can you get unemployment at 17 - NYS Department of Labor eligibility question

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment benefits at 17 in New York! Age isn't a disqualifier as long as you meet the other requirements. Since you worked 8 months and had taxes taken out, you likely have enough work history. You'll need to meet the monetary requirements (earnings in your base period) and be able and available for work. The key thing is that you have to be legally authorized to work, which you obviously are since you had the job.

my cousin filed when she was 17 last year, no problems at all. just use the same online system on the ny.gov website

The process is exactly the same regardless of age. You'll file your initial claim through the NYS Department of Labor website and then file weekly claims to certify you're still unemployed and looking for work. Just make sure you keep track of any job search activities because you'll need to report those. Since you're under 18, your parents might need to be involved in some capacity, but the claim itself is yours.

I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my own claim issues and it's impossible! If you run into any problems or need to talk to someone there, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Wait hold up, don't you have to be looking for full time work to get unemployment? If you're 17 and in school that might be an issue

Just wanted to say good luck! It's smart that you're looking into this. A lot of young people don't know they can get unemployment benefits.

Just a heads up - when you file your claim, make sure you have your W-2 or pay stubs handy with your exact earnings and dates of employment. The system will ask for specific dollar amounts and quarters you worked. Also, since you mentioned helping your family with bills, don't let anyone tell you that you "don't need" the benefits because you're young - you earned those wages and paid into the system just like everyone else. The benefits are there for exactly situations like yours where you got laid off through no fault of your own.

One thing to keep in mind is that your benefit amount will be based on your earnings during your "base period" (usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed). Since you're young and this was likely your first job, your weekly benefit amount might be on the lower side, but every bit helps! Also, make sure when you file that you accurately report the reason for your layoff - if it was due to lack of work or business closure rather than any performance issues, that should make your claim straightforward. The online application is pretty user-friendly, and you can always save your progress and come back to it if you need to gather more information.

I went through this exact same situation when I was 17! Filed my claim online and it was approved within about two weeks. One tip - when you're doing your weekly certifications, make sure you're actively looking for work and keep a record of where you applied. Even if you're being picky about jobs (which is totally understandable), you still need to show you're making the effort. The NYS system will ask you to list some of your job search activities. Also, don't be discouraged if your first few weekly payments seem small - like others mentioned, it's based on your previous earnings, but it's still money coming in while you look for your next job. The whole process was way less intimidating than I expected!

Hey Ryder! I work part-time at a local nonprofit helping people navigate government benefits, and I just wanted to jump in to say you're absolutely on the right track. At 17, you have the same rights to unemployment benefits as any other worker who's paid into the system. Since you mentioned working 25 hours a week for 8 months with taxes being deducted, you should definitely meet the work history requirements. One small thing I'd add to what others have said - make sure when you file your initial claim that you have your Social Security card handy, as well as any documentation about your layoff (like if your employer gave you any paperwork about the reduction in force). The NY.gov unemployment portal is pretty straightforward, but having all your documents ready makes the process smoother. You should be proud of yourself for working hard and contributing to your family - that shows real maturity and responsibility!

Just wanted to add one more practical tip that helped me when I was navigating this system - make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's typically a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and you can't get benefits for weeks before you actually file the claim. So even if you're still gathering all your paperwork or feeling uncertain about the process, it's better to start the application sooner rather than later. You can always call or use that Claimyr service Ellie mentioned if you run into any issues, but don't let perfectionism delay you from getting the financial support you've earned. Also, once you start receiving benefits, remember that they are considered taxable income, so you might want to have them withhold taxes or set aside a portion for tax season. Good luck with everything!