Do you only get NYS Department of Labor unemployment if fired - confused about eligibility
I'm really confused about when you can actually get unemployment benefits in New York. My friend told me you only qualify if you get fired, but I've heard other people say you can get it if you quit too? I'm thinking about leaving my current job because the working conditions are really bad but I don't want to lose out on unemployment if I need it. Does anyone know the actual rules for NYS Department of Labor eligibility? I've been working at this place for over a year and paying into the system so I feel like I should be able to get benefits if I need them.
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Amara Nnamani
You can get unemployment in several situations, not just if you're fired. The key is that you have to be unemployed through no fault of your own. This includes being laid off, having your hours reduced significantly, or quitting for 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or not being paid. If you quit voluntarily without good cause, you'll be disqualified. The NYS Department of Labor will investigate your reason for leaving during the adjudication process.
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GalacticGuru
•What counts as 'good cause' exactly? My supervisor has been making the workplace really hostile and I've documented everything but I'm scared they'll say I quit voluntarily.
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Giovanni Mancini
i got unemployment when i was laid off last year but my sister got denied when she quit her job even though her boss was terrible to her. the nys department of labor is really strict about the quitting thing
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Amara Nnamani
•Your sister might have been able to appeal that decision if she had documentation of the hostile work environment. Many people don't realize they can challenge the initial determination.
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
Here's the breakdown: You're eligible if you're fired for reasons other than misconduct, laid off, have your hours reduced below part-time, or quit for good cause. Good cause includes things like workplace harassment, unsafe conditions, significant changes to your job duties or pay, or domestic violence situations. The trick is having documentation to prove your case during adjudication. Keep records of everything if you're dealing with bad working conditions.
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GalacticGuru
•I've been keeping emails and notes about the problems at work. Should I file a complaint with HR first before quitting to strengthen my case?
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Dylan Cooper
The whole system is so confusing! I thought if you worked and paid taxes you automatically qualified. Why do they make it so complicated?
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Sofia Morales
Had a nightmare trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor to ask about this exact question last month. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual agent who explained everything clearly. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier than trying to call myself.
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StarSailor
•Wow never heard of that before, does it actually work? I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my pending claim.
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Dmitry Ivanov
Whatever you do, don't just quit without having a solid plan. Even if you think you have good cause, there's always a risk the NYS Department of Labor will see it differently. Maybe try to get fired instead? I know that sounds weird but sometimes it's better for your unemployment case.
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Amara Nnamani
•I wouldn't recommend trying to get fired - that could backfire if they fire you for misconduct. Better to document everything and consult with someone who knows the system before making any decisions.
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