Do I qualify for unemployment benefits NYS Department of Labor - confused about eligibility requirements
I'm really confused about whether I qualify for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor. I worked part-time at a retail store for about 8 months before they cut my hours down to basically nothing (like 6 hours a week). I quit because I couldn't pay my bills with that little income. My friend said I might still qualify since it was basically a constructive dismissal? I made around $18,000 last year between that job and some freelance work. I'm 24 and this would be my first time filing for unemployment. Can someone help me understand if I have a case or if quitting automatically disqualifies me? I really need some income while I look for something full-time.
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Leila Haddad
Whether you qualify depends on a few key factors with NYS Department of Labor. First, you need sufficient work history and earnings during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Second, the reason you left matters - if your hours were reduced to the point where it was no longer viable employment, that could potentially qualify as good cause. You'll need to document the hour reduction when you file. The adjudication process will review your specific circumstances.
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Eduardo Silva
•Thank you! How do I prove the hour reduction? I have old pay stubs but I'm worried they won't believe me.
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Emma Johnson
i quit my job too and still got unemployment so yeah you can get it even if you quit as long as you have good reason
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Ravi Patel
•That's not entirely accurate. NYS Department of Labor requires 'good cause' for voluntary separations, and the definition is quite specific. Reduced hours can qualify, but it needs to be substantial and documented. The adjudication process will examine whether a reasonable person would have quit under those circumstances.
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Astrid Bergström
Ugh the whole system is so confusing! I've been trying to figure out my own eligibility for weeks. Why can't NYS Department of Labor just have a simple quiz or something that tells you if you qualify before you waste time filing?
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Leila Haddad
•I agree it's complex, but that's because every situation is different. The best approach is to file anyway - if you're denied, you can appeal with additional documentation.
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Ravi Patel
I had a similar situation last year where I couldn't reach anyone at NYS Department of Labor to get clarity on my eligibility before filing. Kept getting the busy signal or dropped calls. Eventually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you through to a real person at the unemployment office. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you want to talk to someone before filing.
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Eduardo Silva
•That sounds really helpful! How much does something like that cost?
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Ravi Patel
•I don't remember the exact pricing, but it was worth it to actually get through and get real answers instead of guessing. Way less stressful than wondering if I was wasting my time.
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PixelPrincess
Don't let them intimidate you! I've been fighting the unemployment system for months over a disqualification that made no sense. File anyway and make them prove you don't qualify. The worst thing that happens is they say no, then you appeal. At least you'll have your claim in the system.
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Omar Farouk
same boat here, scared to file because idk if ill qualify
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