How long after you leave a job can you file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor?
I quit my job at a warehouse two weeks ago because my supervisor was creating a hostile work environment and I couldn't take it anymore. Now I'm wondering if I waited too long to apply for unemployment benefits? I've been looking for work but haven't found anything yet. Can I still file with NYS Department of Labor or is there a deadline after leaving your job? I'm getting worried about paying my rent next month.
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Max Reyes
You can file for unemployment benefits as soon as you become unemployed - there's no waiting period required. However, since you quit your job, NYS Department of Labor will need to determine if you had 'good cause' for leaving. Hostile work environment can qualify, but you'll need documentation like emails, witness statements, or HR complaints to support your case.
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Felicity Bud
•I do have some text messages from coworkers about what was happening and I did complain to HR once. Should I gather all that stuff before I file?
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Mikayla Davison
Actually you should file ASAP because your benefit year starts when you file, not when you lost your job. Even if they deny you initially for quitting, you can appeal and at least get the process started. I made the mistake of waiting 3 weeks after I left my last job and lost out on those weeks of potential benefits.
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Adrian Connor
•This is really important advice! I didn't know the benefit year started when you file. That could cost someone a lot of money if they wait too long.
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Aisha Jackson
wait so if you quit you can still get unemployment?? I thought only people who got fired or laid off could collect. this whole system is so confusing to me
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Max Reyes
•You can get benefits if you quit for 'good cause' - things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties, or not getting paid. But you have to prove it wasn't just because you didn't like the job.
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Ryder Everingham
I had a similar situation last year where I couldn't get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks to check on my claim status after quitting for harassment. The phone lines are always busy and the online system kept timing out. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was honestly a lifesaver because I needed to provide additional documentation for my quit reason and couldn't reach anyone the normal way.
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Felicity Bud
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money since I'm not working.
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Ryder Everingham
•It's worth checking out their site for current info. For me it was definitely worth it to actually talk to someone instead of being stuck in limbo for weeks wondering if my claim would get approved.
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Lilly Curtis
The NYS Department of Labor system is such a nightmare. I swear they make it as difficult as possible on purpose. Good luck OP, you're gonna need it dealing with their bureaucracy.
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Leo Simmons
•Same experience here, took me forever to get through to anyone when I had questions about my weekly claims.
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Amina Bah
I went through something similar about 6 months ago when I had to quit due to a toxic manager. The key thing is to file your claim right away - don't wait any longer! When you file online, there's a section where you can explain why you left your job. Be detailed about the hostile work environment and mention that you have documentation. NYS DOL will schedule a phone interview to go over your case, and that's when you'll present your evidence (those text messages and HR complaint). Even if it takes a few weeks to get a decision, you'll still get backdated benefits to when you first filed if they approve you. The worst thing you can do is wait longer - every day you delay is a day you could potentially lose benefits.
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NeonNebula
•This is really helpful advice! I'm new to all this unemployment stuff and had no idea you could get backdated benefits. That makes me feel a lot better about filing now even though it's been two weeks. Quick question - when they do the phone interview, do they contact your former employer too to verify your story about the hostile work environment?
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