How long do you have to be working at a job to get unemployment benefits in NY?
I'm trying to figure out the work requirements for unemployment in New York. I've been at my current job for about 5 months but I'm worried I might get laid off due to budget cuts. I know there's some kind of work history requirement but I'm not sure exactly how it works. Do I need to have worked a full year? What if I had other jobs before this one? I'm really stressed about this because I need to know if I'd qualify for benefits if something happens.
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Tristan Carpenter
In New York, you don't need to work at one specific job for any set amount of time. What matters is your total work history during your 'base period' which is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. You need to have earned at least $2,600 in wages during your base period AND worked in at least two different quarters. So if you had other jobs before your current one, that work history counts toward your eligibility.
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Maya Jackson
•Oh that's a relief! I worked at a restaurant for 8 months before this job, so that should count toward the requirement right?
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Amaya Watson
yeah basically you just need enough work history in the past year or so, doesn't matter if its all one job or multiple jobs
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Grant Vikers
The NYS Department of Labor looks at your total earnings and work pattern, not how long you stayed at any individual employer. As long as you meet the monetary requirements and have sufficient work in different quarters, you should be eligible. Just make sure you were separated from your job through no fault of your own - layoffs due to budget cuts would typically qualify you for benefits.
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Maya Jackson
•That makes sense. How do I check what my base period earnings were to make sure I qualify?
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Grant Vikers
•You can check your wage history on the my.ny.gov website under your NYS Department of Labor account, or you'll see it when you actually file your unemployment claim. The system will automatically calculate whether you meet the requirements.
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Giovanni Martello
I was in a similar situation last year and was worried about the same thing. Had to call NYS Department of Labor multiple times to get through, but they confirmed that all my previous jobs counted toward eligibility. If you're having trouble reaching them by phone, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.
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Maya Jackson
•Thanks for sharing that! I'll keep it in mind if I need to contact them and can't get through.
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Savannah Weiner
Just went through this myself recently. Don't stress too much about it - if you've been working steadily you probably qualify. The hardest part isn't meeting the work requirements, it's actually navigating the NYS Department of Labor system once you file!
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Oscar Murphy
Just to add some specific numbers to help with your planning - you need to have earned at least $2,600 during your base period AND have worked in at least 2 different calendar quarters during that time. Your weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your highest earning quarter, so having that restaurant job before your current position actually helps build up your wage history. If you do end up getting laid off due to budget cuts, that's considered an involuntary separation which means you should qualify as long as you meet the monetary requirements. Good luck!
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Hugh Intensity
•This is really helpful information! So if I understand correctly, since I worked at the restaurant for 8 months and now have been at my current job for 5 months, I should definitely have work in at least 2 different quarters and likely meet the $2,600 minimum. That's such a relief to know. I was worried that only my current job would count toward eligibility. Thanks for breaking down the numbers so clearly!
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Javier Morales
I want to add one important thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you keep good records of all your employment, including pay stubs, W-2s, and any documentation from both your restaurant job and current position. When you file your claim, NYS DOL will verify your wages with your employers, but sometimes there can be delays or discrepancies. Having your own records helps speed up the process and ensures you get the correct benefit amount. Also, if you do get laid off, file your claim right away - benefits don't start until you actually file, even if you're eligible from your separation date.
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