How long do I have to be at a job to get NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits?
Hey everyone, I just started a new job about 6 weeks ago and I'm already having second thoughts. The management is pretty toxic and I'm thinking about quitting, but I want to know - how long do you have to work somewhere before you can qualify for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? I've heard different things from people and I'm confused about the minimum time requirements. My last job was almost 2 years ago so I'm not sure if that work history even counts anymore. Anyone know the actual rules?
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Jessica Nolan
You need to look at your base period, not just your current job. NYS Department of Labor uses the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you worked 2 years ago, that might still count depending on when exactly it was. You also need to have earned at least $2,600 in your base period and worked in at least 2 quarters. The length at your current job doesn't matter as much as your total earnings in the base period.
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Leo McDonald
•Oh wow, I had no idea it went back that far! So my old job from 2 years ago could still help me qualify? That's actually really good to know.
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Angelina Farar
just so you know if you quit you probably won't get benefits anyway unless you have good cause, the NYS Department of Labor is pretty strict about that
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Sebastián Stevens
•This is correct. Quitting without good cause will result in a disqualification. You'd need to prove things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties or pay. 'Toxic management' alone usually isn't enough unless you can document specific incidents that created an unsafe work environment.
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Bethany Groves
I've been trying to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my own claim and it's impossible! The phone system is a nightmare and I keep getting hung up on. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a real person there?
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KingKongZilla
•I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Basically they handle all the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Saved me hours of frustration trying to reach someone about my adjudication issue.
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Bethany Groves
•That actually sounds really helpful! I'm so tired of spending my whole day calling and getting nowhere.
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Rebecca Johnston
Just wanted to add that even if you do qualify, you still have to meet the weekly requirements like doing job searches and being available for work. Don't quit unless you have another job lined up or you're sure you meet the good cause requirements.
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