Can you get unemployment if you haven't worked 5 years - NYS Department of Labor eligibility question
I'm wondering about unemployment eligibility with NYS Department of Labor. My situation is complicated - I took care of my elderly mother for almost 5 years and only worked sporadically during that time. Maybe 8 months total over the past 5 years at different part-time jobs. Now that she's passed away I'm trying to get back into the workforce but having trouble finding work. Can I still qualify for unemployment benefits even though I haven't had steady employment? I'm confused about the work history requirements and don't want to waste time filing if I'm not eligible.
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Andre Lefebvre
NYS Department of Labor looks at your base period which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. You need sufficient wages during that time to qualify. Even with sporadic work, you might still be eligible if you earned enough during those quarters. The minimum is around $2,600 in your base period. You should definitely file and let them determine eligibility rather than assuming you don't qualify.
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Carmen Ruiz
•Thank you! I think I might have earned that much total. Do they count all the different part-time jobs together when calculating the wages?
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Zoe Alexopoulos
my sister was in similar situation caring for our dad and she got benefits after working only about 6 months in 2 years. the key is you have to be available and actively searching for work now
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Jamal Anderson
The work requirement isn't about working continuously for 5 years. NYS Department of Labor uses a base period calculation. If you worked those 8 months and earned enough wages, you could qualify. The bigger issue might be proving you're able and available for work now. File the claim online and see what happens - worst case they deny it but at least you'll know for sure.
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Mei Wong
•This is exactly right. I had a gap in my work history due to medical issues and still qualified because my base period wages met the minimum threshold.
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QuantumQuasar
Getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask these questions can be really frustrating with their phone system. I had a complex eligibility situation last year and couldn't get clear answers online. Someone suggested claimyr.com which actually got me connected to a real NYS Department of Labor agent who could review my specific work history. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Might be worth trying if you want to talk through your situation before filing.
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Carmen Ruiz
•That's helpful, I've been trying to call for days but keep getting busy signals or getting hung up on.
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Liam McGuire
File anyway!! The worst they can say is no and then at least you'll have started the process. I thought I wouldn't qualify because of irregular work but ended up getting benefits. NYS Department of Labor adjudication process will review your whole work history.
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Lilly Curtis
I'm sorry for your loss, Carmen. Caring for elderly parents is such important work even though it doesn't count toward traditional employment records. From what others have shared, it sounds like your 8 months of work might actually be enough if the wages were sufficient during the right quarters. NYS Department of Labor also has provisions for people who had to leave work for family caregiving situations. When you do file, make sure to explain your caregiving situation - they may have additional programs or considerations for people in your circumstances. The online application walks you through everything step by step, so even if you're unsure, it's worth starting the process.
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