How far back does NYS Department of Labor look when reviewing unemployment claims?
I'm filing for unemployment and wondering how far back does NYS Department of Labor look into your work history? I had a job that ended badly about 18 months ago where I might have been terminated for cause, but I've worked at two other places since then. Will that old job affect my current claim? Also curious about how far back they check for any overpayments or issues from previous claims. Anyone know the specifics on this?
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Amina Toure
NYS Department of Labor typically looks back at your base period which is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. For work history verification and misconduct determinations, they can go back further if needed, especially if there are red flags in your application. The 18-month-old job probably won't matter unless there were serious issues like fraud or if you're close to the monetary threshold.
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Paolo Esposito
•Thanks! So if I worked consistently at the two jobs after that problem one, I should be okay? The termination was more of a personality conflict with management, nothing criminal.
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Oliver Weber
they def look back farther than people think... i had an overpayment from like 2019 that came back to bite me when i filed last year
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FireflyDreams
The standard base period calculation uses your earnings from specific quarters to determine your weekly benefit amount. However, if you're being investigated for potential misconduct or fraud, NYS Department of Labor can examine your entire work history. They also have access to previous unemployment claims going back several years. If you had legitimate reasons for leaving that job 18 months ago and have worked since then, focus on documenting your recent employment accurately.
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Paolo Esposito
•That makes sense. I have all my recent pay stubs and can prove I worked steadily. Should I mention the old job situation upfront or just answer honestly if they ask?
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FireflyDreams
•Just answer honestly if asked. Don't volunteer information that isn't requested, but never lie on any forms. If they do investigate that termination, having a consistent work history afterward will work in your favor.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
OMG this is exactly what I'm worried about! I had this terrible job two years ago where my boss was completely unreasonable and I ended up quitting without notice. I've been so stressed about filing because what if they think I voluntarily quit for no good cause?? Do they really dig into every single job you've ever had?
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Amina Toure
•They don't investigate every job unless there's a reason to. Focus on your most recent employment and the reason you're filing now. If you quit that job two years ago, it's probably not relevant to your current claim.
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Javier Morales
I had issues getting through to NYS Department of Labor to clarify questions about my work history when I was going through adjudication. Ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person who could explain exactly what they were looking for. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Made the whole process way less stressful than trying to call myself.
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Paolo Esposito
•Interesting, I might need that if my claim gets complicated. How quickly did they get you through to someone?
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Javier Morales
•Same day I submitted the request. Was such a relief to actually talk to someone who could look at my specific case instead of just guessing what might happen.
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Emma Anderson
honestly the whole system is so confusing and they dont explain anything clearly on the website
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