How long do u have to work at a job to get unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
hey everyone, probably a dumb question but how long do you actually need to work somewhere before you can file for unemployment? i just started a new job about 2 months ago and im worried if i get let go ill be screwed. does NYS Department of Labor have like a minimum time requirement? also does it matter if its part time vs full time work? thanks
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Xan Dae
It's not about how long you work at one specific job - NYS Department of Labor looks at your entire work history over what's called the 'base period.' This is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. You need to have earned at least $2,600 during your base period and worked in at least two different quarters. So even if your current job is only 2 months, your previous work history counts toward eligibility.
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Isaiah Sanders
•oh wow i had no idea it worked like that! so my old job from last year would count too? thats actually really helpful to know
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Fiona Gallagher
wait im confused about this base period thing. if i worked at mcdonalds for 6 months last year then got laid off and just started a new job 2 months ago, which job determines my benefit amount?? this is so confusing
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Thais Soares
•Your benefit amount is calculated using ALL the wages from your base period, not just one job. So both your McDonald's wages and your current job wages would be included in the calculation. The more you earned during the base period, the higher your weekly benefit amount will be.
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Nalani Liu
The system is ridiculous honestly. I worked somewhere for 3 years, got fired, and then had to wait forever for NYS Department of Labor to process my claim. Meanwhile bills are piling up and they're asking for job search logs and all this paperwork. At least you're thinking ahead about this stuff.
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Axel Bourke
•I had a similar nightmare trying to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Kept calling for weeks but could never reach an agent. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to someone who could help. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Saved me so much frustration dealing with the phone system.
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Aidan Percy
Part time vs full time doesn't really matter for initial eligibility as long as you meet the wage requirements. What matters more is that you're able and available to work when you file your weekly claims. NYS Department of Labor will also require you to do job searches every week to maintain benefits.
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Isaiah Sanders
•good to know about the job search thing, ill keep that in mind if i ever need to file
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Fernanda Marquez
just went through this myself actually, the whole base period calculation is weird but it worked out. just make sure you keep track of all your employers and wages because they'll ask for that info when you file
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