Does NY unemployment still offer partial benefits in 2025? Need quick answer

Yes, NY still offers partial unemployment benefits in 2025! If your hours were reduced through no fault of your own, you can qualify. You'll need to report any wages you earn each week when you certify, and the system will automatically calculate your partial benefit. The basic rule is you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit rate without any reduction, then benefits are reduced proportionally for additional earnings. Apply through the regular NY.gov account just like for full unemployment. You won't get in trouble for applying even if you end up not qualifying - that's literally what the application process is for (to determine eligibility).

I got partial last year when my retail job cut me from 38 hrs to 12. Got about $187 a week which helped alot. just make sure u certify EXACT hours and pay each week or theyll come after u later trust me lol

The partial UI system in NY is actually pretty terrible compared to other states. They use an outdated formula where you lose benefits for almost every dollar you earn past that 25% threshold. I had my hours cut last fall and ended up only getting $78 a week even though my hours were cut by more than half! The system is designed to discourage part-time work, which makes no sense. Don't get your hopes up for much help.

Quick tip: When you certify each week, they ask if you're ready, willing and able to work full time - ALWAYS say yes even though you're working part-time, otherwise they'll deny your benefits! I made this mistake for 2 weeks and had to appeal to get my money.

Applying for partial unemployment in NY is actually pretty straightforward, but GETTING THROUGH to anyone if you have questions is a complete nightmare. When my hours were cut in January, I had some special circumstances and needed to speak with an agent. Spent literally 3 weeks calling hundreds of times without getting through. Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an unemployment agent in about 25 minutes. You can check their demo video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Worth every penny because I was about to give up on getting benefits altogether. The agent fixed my issue in about 10 minutes once I actually got through.

One important thing to understand about partial unemployment in NY that others haven't mentioned: there's a difference between REDUCED hours at your current job (what you described) vs. working PART-TIME while seeking full-time work. With your reduced hours situation, when you apply, make sure to indicate that you are still employed but had hours reduced involuntarily. During the application, when asked about your separation reason, select "Still employed / Hours reduced." Also, be aware that your employer will be notified about your claim since they pay into the unemployment insurance system. This is standard procedure and legally they cannot retaliate against you for claiming benefits you're entitled to.

anyone know how long partial benefits last? is it the same as regular unemployment???

btw make sure u have ur proper wages handy when u apply. i messed up and had to send in like 3 months of paystubs cause i guessed wrong on my wages. total pain in the butt

Thanks everyone for all the info! I just submitted my application yesterday. It was actually easier than I expected. They asked about my reduced hours and I made sure to say it was due to lack of work (which is true). Now I'm just waiting for them to process it. Fingers crossed it goes through without issues!