Can you quit job and get unemployment benefits in New York?

Yes, you can potentially get unemployment after quitting but only for 'good cause.' NYS Department of Labor recognizes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to job duties, or constructive discharge. You'll need documentation - emails, witnesses, medical records if health-related. The burden of proof is on you to show you had no reasonable alternative but to quit.

i quit my last job too and got denied initially but won on appeal. took like 3 months total though

The key is documenting everything before you quit. Keep copies of emails, write down incidents with dates and witnesses, file complaints with HR if possible. NYS Department of Labor wants to see that you tried to resolve the situation first. If you just walk out without attempting to fix things, they'll likely deny your claim. Also consider talking to a lawyer about constructive discharge if it's that bad.

OMG this is exactly what I'm going through!! My boss has been making my life hell and I'm scared to quit because I need the income. Did you end up quitting? I'm so torn because I know getting unemployment after quitting is really hard but I literally can't take it anymore. What if they deny my claim and I have no job AND no benefits??

I had to quit my job last year due to my supervisor creating an impossible work environment. When I applied for unemployment, NYS Department of Labor initially denied my claim. I couldn't get through on their phone lines for weeks to explain my situation properly. A friend told me about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach NYS Department of Labor agents. I was skeptical but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI) and decided to try it. Got connected to an agent within a day who helped me understand exactly what documentation I needed for my appeal. Ended up winning and getting my benefits approved.

Just want to add that the NYS Department of Labor takes these decisions really seriously. My cousin quit her job claiming harassment and they did a full investigation - called her employer, interviewed witnesses, the whole thing. Don't expect it to be easy even if you have a legitimate case.

Been there! The system is so unfair - employers can treat you like garbage but god forbid you try to protect your mental health by leaving. I spent 6 months fighting my denial before finally giving up. Hope you have better luck than I did.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago. The key thing I learned is that you need to document EVERYTHING before you quit - and I mean everything. Screenshots of abusive emails, dates and details of incidents, any witnesses who can back up your story. I also recommend filing a complaint with HR first (even if you know they won't help) because NYS Department of Labor wants to see you tried internal channels. When I applied, they initially denied me too, but I had kept detailed records and eventually won on appeal. The whole process took about 4 months, but I did get my benefits. Don't let anyone tell you it's impossible - just make sure you have solid documentation of the hostile work environment before you make your move.