Can you get unemployment for mental health issues in NY?

Thank you! I haven't talked to my employer about accommodations yet. Should I do that before I make any decisions about leaving?

This is really helpful. Did they require you to be actively looking for work while dealing with mental health issues?

Yes, that was the tricky part. I had to show I was getting treatment and that my condition was improving enough to make me available for suitable work. It's a balancing act.

I had the same phone problem! I actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. It was a lifesaver when I needed to check on my adjudication status.

Thank you so much for saying that. It really means a lot right now.

I didn't know about FMLA for mental health. I'll definitely look into that option first.

This is really solid advice. I've been putting off talking to my employer because I was worried they'd see it as a weakness, but you're right that I should at least try the accommodation route first. Do you have any tips on how to approach that initial conversation? I'm worried about saying the wrong thing or not being taken seriously.

@Zainab Khalil This is excellent advice! I m'actually in a similar situation and have been hesitant to approach my employer. One thing I d'add is to consider starting with your company s'EAP Employee (Assistance Program if) they have one - they can often help you navigate the accommodation request process and provide confidential counseling support. Also, you don t'have to disclose your specific diagnosis when requesting accommodations, just the functional limitations and what type of support would help. Focus on how the accommodations would help you be successful at work rather than the details of your condition.

@CosmicCowboy When approaching your employer, I'd suggest scheduling a private meeting with your direct supervisor or HR and being straightforward but professional. You could say something like "I'm dealing with some health issues that are affecting my ability to perform at my best, and I'd like to discuss potential accommodations that could help me be more effective in my role." Come prepared with specific suggestions - maybe flexible start times, the ability to take short breaks when needed, or working in a less stimulating environment. Having your therapist write a brief letter stating that accommodations would be beneficial (without going into personal details) can also help legitimize your request. Remember, under the ADA, they're required to engage in an interactive process with you to find reasonable solutions.

Thank you for sharing these resources! I hadn't heard of NAMI New York before - that sounds like exactly what I need right now. Having a support group of people who understand what I'm going through would be really helpful. I'm also going to look into the short-term disability option you mentioned. My employer does offer some benefits that I haven't fully explored yet. You're absolutely right that I shouldn't rush this decision. I think I've been feeling so overwhelmed that I wanted to just make it stop, but taking time to research all my options is definitely the smarter approach. Really appreciate you taking the time to share all of this information.

This is incredibly helpful information - thank you for sharing your experience! I didn't even know there was a Disability Rights Section at the NYS Department of Labor. That sounds like exactly the kind of guidance I need right now. The idea of exploring temporary disability benefits alongside unemployment is something I hadn't considered. It's reassuring to hear from someone who's actually going through this process. I've been feeling pretty isolated and like maybe I was overreacting or that my situation wasn't "serious enough" to warrant leaving work. But you're absolutely right that mental health is legitimate. I'm going to reach out to that Disability Rights Section tomorrow and also ask my therapist to provide more specific documentation about how my anxiety and depression are affecting my work performance. Thank you for the encouragement and for taking the time to share what you've learned.

This is such practical advice, thank you! I wish I had started documenting things sooner, but I'm definitely going to begin keeping that kind of detailed journal starting today. You're absolutely right about the customer interactions - some days the anxiety gets so bad when dealing with difficult customers that I have to step away, and I never thought to document those specific incidents. I'm also realizing I should ask my therapist about getting more detailed documentation about my functional limitations rather than just general treatment notes. It sounds like having that paper trail could make all the difference regardless of which path I end up taking. I really appreciate you sharing this perspective - it's helping me think more strategically about protecting myself and building a strong case for whatever support I might need.

This is exactly the kind of detailed information I was hoping to find - thank you so much for sharing your experience! The 10-week timeline is really helpful to know since I've been worried about how long I might be without income. I'm definitely going to ask my therapist for a more specific letter about how my conditions affect my work performance rather than just general treatment documentation. The idea of contacting legal aid is brilliant - I hadn't thought of that but having someone who understands the system help me navigate this would be invaluable. Can I ask what kinds of questions they asked during the phone interview? I want to make sure I'm prepared and can clearly articulate my situation when the time comes. It's so encouraging to hear from someone who actually got approved after going through this process. Thank you for giving me hope that this is possible with the right preparation and documentation.

@Keisha Taylor During the phone interview, they asked really specific questions about my medical timeline - like when I was first diagnosed, when my symptoms started affecting work, what specific accommodations I requested and when, and why I felt I had no choice but to leave. They also wanted to know exactly what job duties I couldn t'perform because of my condition. The interviewer was actually pretty understanding, but they needed concrete examples. For instance, I had to explain how my panic attacks made it impossible to handle the cash register during busy periods, and how my depression was causing me to call out frequently which was affecting my performance reviews. They also asked about my treatment plan and whether I was able and available to work which (is tricky with mental health - you have to show you re'getting treatment but also that you could work if you found a suitable job .)Having all my documentation organized beforehand really helped me answer their questions clearly. The legal aid attorney I worked with did a practice interview with me which was incredibly helpful for preparing.

@Natalie Adams This is incredibly valuable advice from a professional perspective - thank you! The timing aspect you mentioned is something I ve'been struggling with. I ve'been feeling so overwhelmed that part of me just wants to quit immediately, but you re'absolutely right that I need to have everything in order first. The 8-12 week timeline for adjudication is honestly scary given my financial situation, but it s'better to know what to expect upfront. I m'definitely going to look into FMLA first - I didn t'realize it could provide job protection while I get treatment. That seems like a much safer approach than jumping straight to quitting. Would you be able to point me toward any specific resources for finding mental health evaluations that focus on work capacity? My current therapist is great for treatment but I m'not sure if they have experience with the kind of detailed functional assessments that seem to be needed for these claims. I really appreciate you offering to help with resources - it means so much to have professional guidance during such a difficult time.

@Natalie Adams I m'in a similar situation and this advice is so helpful. I ve'been dealing with severe anxiety that s'making it really hard to function at my job, but I ve'been scared to approach my employer about accommodations because I work at a small company and I m'worried about how they ll'react. Do you have any suggestions for how to approach smaller employers who might not have formal HR departments or much experience with mental health accommodations? Also, when you mention getting a comprehensive evaluation focused on work capacity, should I be looking for a specific type of mental health professional or specialist? I want to make sure I m'getting the right kind of documentation if I do end up needing to file a claim. The financial reality of being without income for 8-12 weeks is really daunting, so I definitely want to explore every other option first.