How can I be denied unemployment benefits by NYS Department of Labor?

Main reasons for denial: quitting without good cause, getting fired for misconduct, not meeting work/wage requirements, refusing suitable work, or not actively job searching. If you quit voluntarily, you'll likely be disqualified unless you can prove it was for good cause like unsafe working conditions or harassment.

Document everything before you quit! Keep emails, texts, write down incidents with dates. Good cause is pretty strict - usually needs to be something that would make any reasonable person quit. Verbal abuse might qualify if you can prove it, but NYS Department of Labor will investigate thoroughly.

honestly the system is rigged against workers anyway... they'll find any excuse to deny you. i got fired for 'attendance issues' even though i was sick and they still denied my claim initially. had to fight it for weeks

If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to ask about your specific situation, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped when I was stuck in adjudication limbo.

Also remember you need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period. For 2025 it's pretty specific requirements. And once you start collecting you HAVE to do the job search activities they require or they'll cut you off.