How do u qualify for unemployment - confused about NYS Department of Labor requirements

You might qualify for partial unemployment benefits since your hours were reduced significantly. For NYS Department of Labor eligibility, you generally need to have worked and earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period, lost your job through no fault of your own, be able and available for work, and actively search for employment. Since you've worked 8 months, you should meet the wage requirements. The key is that your hour reduction wasn't due to your performance or misconduct.

I was in a similar situation last year when my retail job cut everyone's hours. You can definitely file for partial benefits if your weekly earnings drop below a certain amount. The NYS Department of Labor will calculate your benefit amount based on your previous wages. Just make sure you report any hours you do work each week when you file your weekly claims or you could get in trouble for overpayment.

The basic NYS Department of Labor requirements are: 1) You must have earned sufficient wages during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters), 2) You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, 3) You must be physically able to work and available for work, 4) You must be actively seeking employment. For partial benefits, you can work up to 3 days per week or earn up to $504 per week (as of 2025) and still collect some benefits. Since your hours were cut due to business conditions, not your performance, you should qualify.

honestly the whole system is confusing AF and the NYS Department of Labor website doesn't explain things clearly. I've been trying to reach someone by phone for weeks about my claim and can never get through. The automated system just hangs up on you after being on hold forever.

just file online and see what happens, worst they can do is say no