How does one qualify for unemployment benefits in NY - confused about NYS Department of Labor requirements
I'm completely lost about the whole unemployment qualification process and honestly have no idea where to start. My company just laid me off after working there for 8 months, and everyone keeps telling me I should apply for unemployment but I don't even know if I'm eligible. What exactly are the requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? Do I need to have worked for a certain amount of time? Is there a minimum wage requirement? I've never been unemployed before and the whole process seems really overwhelming. Any help would be appreciated!
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Paolo Marino
The basic qualifications for NYS unemployment benefits are pretty straightforward. You need to have earned enough wages during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 quarters before you filed), you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and you have to be able and available for work. For 2025, you need at least $3,300 in total wages during your base period with at least $2,200 in one quarter. Since you worked 8 months, you should definitely meet the wage requirements. The fact that you were laid off means it wasn't your fault, so that requirement is met too.
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StardustSeeker
•Thank you! That's really helpful. What does 'able and available for work' actually mean? Do I have to prove I'm looking for jobs every week?
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Amina Bah
Yes, you'll need to do job search activities and log them when you file your weekly claims. NYS Department of Labor requires at least 3 work search activities per week unless you're in an approved training program. Work search can include applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, or interviewing. You'll need to keep records of what you did, when you did it, and contact information for employers you contacted.
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Oliver Becker
•this is so much paperwork ugh... i've been filing for 2 months and the job search log thing is annoying but you gotta do it or they'll stop your benefits
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Natasha Petrova
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I was trying to figure out my eligibility. Their phone lines are always busy and it took me weeks to get answers. If you run into that problem, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach a real person at the unemployment office. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was a lifesaver when I couldn't get through on my own.
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Javier Hernandez
•Is that legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.
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Natasha Petrova
•Yeah I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They just help you get connected to the actual NYS Department of Labor representatives, not some outside company pretending to be them.
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Emma Davis
Don't forget you also have to register for work with the NYS Department of Labor job search website and keep your profile updated. And if you refuse a suitable job offer without good cause, you can lose your benefits. 'Suitable' generally means work that's similar to your previous job in terms of skills and pay, but as time goes on they might expect you to accept lower-paying positions.
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StardustSeeker
•How much lower can the pay be before it's not considered suitable anymore?
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LunarLegend
just apply online at labor.ny.gov and see what happens! worst they can say is no but if you got laid off you'll probably qualify. the whole thing is confusing but once you start the process it gets clearer
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