Can you get unemployment if you get fired from your job in NY?

Yes you can still file for unemployment even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. NYS Department of Labor will investigate whether it was for 'misconduct' or not. Attendance issues might not automatically disqualify you, especially if there were legitimate reasons like childcare. File your claim immediately - don't wait.

Getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in New York. It depends on WHY you were fired. NYS Department of Labor will review your case to determine if the termination was for 'misconduct.' Attendance issues can be tricky - if you were repeatedly warned and it was willful disregard of company policy, they might consider it misconduct. But if there were legitimate reasons (like transportation issues you mentioned), you might still qualify. You should definitely file a claim and let them investigate.

same thing happened to my brother last year, took forever to get approved but he eventually did

The key is whether NYS Department of Labor considers it 'misconduct.' Being late occasionally due to childcare usually isn't misconduct if you were trying to resolve the issue. When you file your claim, be honest about the circumstances. If your employer contests it, you'll go through adjudication where they review all the evidence. Even if initially denied, you can appeal.

File immediately! Even if they initially deny your claim, you can appeal. I got fired for 'poor performance' last year and NYS Department of Labor approved my benefits after reviewing the case. The key is being honest about what happened but also explaining your side. Document everything you remember about the warnings, your explanations to management, and the transportation issues. If you have any texts or emails about the bus schedule changes, save those too.

I was in almost the exact same situation - fired for attendance but it was because my car broke down and I couldn't afford to fix it right away. Initially got denied but won my appeal. The hearing officer said that while I was technically violating company policy, it wasn't willful misconduct because I was trying to get to work and had explained my situation to my supervisor. Took about 6 weeks total but I got all my back benefits.

FILE ASAP!! The unemployment system is SO backed up and they make it impossible to reach anyone by phone. I've been calling for weeks about my own claim. Don't let them intimidate you - most employers try to fight every claim regardless.

ugh this is so frustrating! I hate how they make you jump through hoops when you already lost your job. Like being fired isn't punishment enough?? The whole system is designed to screw over working people. But yeah definitely file, worst case they say no and you're in the same position you're in now

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to file your claim or get updates on your case, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual agent. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals. Really helpful when you need to explain complex situations like transportation issues.

Wait are we talking about regular unemployment or something else? I thought if you got fired you couldn't get anything?

Oh god this is giving me anxiety - what if they ask for documentation about the childcare issues? What if my employer lies about what happened? What if they say it was misconduct when it really wasn't??

Yeah file for sure. My brother got fired for being late and still got approved. Just be honest about everything and don't try to hide anything because they'll find out anyway when they contact your employer.