How do you file an appeal for unemployment denial with NYS Department of Labor?

You'll need to file a Request for Hearing form with NYS Department of Labor within 30 days of your denial notice date. You can do this online through your my.ny.gov account or mail it in. Make sure you gather all documentation about your job separation - any emails about the unsafe conditions you mentioned, your termination letter, witness statements if you have them. The hearing will be conducted by an Administrative Law Judge and you'll have a chance to present your side of the story.

I went through this exact same thing last year when my claim was denied. You can definitely represent yourself - most people do. The key is being organized with your evidence. Print out everything - emails, text messages, photos of the unsafe conditions if you have them. During the hearing, stay calm and stick to the facts. Don't get emotional even if the employer's representative tries to make you look bad.

same thing happened to me, employer lied about why they fired me and I couldn't get through to anyone at nys department of labor to explain my side. spent weeks calling and getting hung up on

Wait I'm confused - is an appeal the same thing as adjudication? My claim has been in adjudication for weeks and I don't know if I need to do anything or just wait??

The whole NYS Department of Labor appeal system is a joke honestly. They side with employers like 90% of the time no matter what evidence you have. I filed an appeal last year for wrongful termination and even with a hostile work environment documented they still denied me. But you should still try because occasionally they do the right thing.