Can you get unemployment if you get fired from a part time job - NYS Department of Labor eligibility?

Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment benefits even if you were working part-time when terminated. NYS Department of Labor doesn't distinguish between part-time and full-time for basic eligibility. What matters is that you earned enough wages during your base period and that the termination wasn't due to misconduct. Since you mentioned attendance issues, that could potentially be considered misconduct depending on the specifics. You'll need to file a claim and let NYS Department of Labor review your case during adjudication.

I got fired from a part time job too last year and got approved for UI benefits. The key thing is you need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period. For 2025 you need at least $3,300 in wages in your highest earning quarter. Since you worked 8 months at $16/hour for 25 hours weekly that should put you over the threshold easily.

honestly the attendance thing might hurt you... my friend got denied because they said chronic lateness was misconduct even though she was never formally written up. NYS Department of Labor can be really strict about that stuff. Did your employer document the attendance issues or give you any warnings?

You should definitely apply regardless. Even if there's a misconduct issue, you can appeal if you get denied. I had a similar situation and it took forever to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor to explain my side. The phone lines are always jammed and you get disconnected constantly. Super frustrating when you're already stressed about money. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

just apply online at my.ny.gov and see what happens. worst case they say no and you appeal. the weekly benefit amount will be based on your wages so it won't be huge but better than nothing

I was in a similar situation a few years ago - got fired from a part-time restaurant job for attendance issues. The good news is you can absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits as a part-time worker. NYS doesn't discriminate between part-time and full-time employment for eligibility. With your wages ($16/hr x 25 hrs/week x 8 months), you should easily meet the monetary requirements. The attendance issue is concerning though - being late 3-4 times could potentially be viewed as misconduct depending on how your employer documented it and whether they gave you proper warnings. Since you only had one verbal warning, you might have a decent case. I'd recommend applying online immediately and being completely honest about the circumstances. If you get denied for misconduct, you can always appeal and present your side of the story. Don't let fear of denial stop you from applying - you've paid into the system and deserve a fair review of your case.

Just wanted to add my experience - I was terminated from a part-time position at a retail store for similar reasons (attendance/tardiness) and was initially denied for misconduct. However, I successfully appealed by showing that the employer's attendance policy was inconsistently enforced and that I never received proper progressive discipline. Key things that helped my case: I documented all my shifts and attendance records, showed that other employees had similar issues without termination, and emphasized that my tardiness was due to conflicts with my primary job (showing I was actively working). The appeal hearing took about 6 weeks to schedule, but I was awarded benefits retroactively. My advice: apply immediately, document everything you can remember about your employment and the termination, and don't give up if initially denied. The burden is on the employer to prove misconduct, not on you to prove innocence.

I'm new here but going through a similar situation right now. Just got let go from my part-time warehouse job for what they called "performance issues" but I think it was really because I couldn't work the overtime they kept asking for due to my college classes. Reading through all these responses is super helpful - especially learning that part-time workers can qualify and that the monetary requirements aren't as high as I thought. I'm definitely going to apply online today. Quick question though - if I'm currently a full-time student, does that affect my eligibility at all? I was working about 20 hours a week while taking classes. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it's making me feel less anxious about the whole process!

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago - part-time job, fired for attendance, successfully got unemployment benefits. Here's what I learned: First, apply immediately online at labor.ny.gov (not my.ny.gov as someone mentioned). You absolutely can qualify as a part-time worker - I was only working 22 hours/week. The key is meeting the wage requirements, which you likely do with 8 months at $16/hour. For the attendance issue, document everything you can remember - dates you were late, reasons why, any communications with your manager, company policies, how other employees were treated. The fact that you only had one verbal warning actually works in your favor. Many people get denied initially but win on appeal. Don't let that discourage you from applying. The worst they can say is no, and then you have the right to appeal with a hearing where you can present your side. Start your claim ASAP because there's a waiting period, and benefits are only paid from the date you file, not from when you were terminated. You've got this!

I just want to add that being late due to conflicts with another job actually strengthens your case rather than hurts it. NYS Department of Labor recognizes that many people work multiple jobs to make ends meet, and schedule conflicts between jobs don't typically constitute misconduct - especially when you're making a good faith effort to fulfill both obligations. The fact that you were only late "a couple times" over 8 months shows you were generally reliable. I'd recommend when you file your claim, emphasize that the tardiness was due to your commitment to maintaining multiple jobs rather than any lack of reliability or work ethic. Document your other job's schedule and any communications you had with your retail manager about the conflicts. This context could be crucial if your case goes to adjudication or appeal. Also, don't wait - file immediately since you can't get benefits for weeks before you apply, even if you're ultimately approved.