How long do you have to work before you can file for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?
I just started my first real job out of college about 6 months ago and I'm worried about layoffs happening at my company. A bunch of senior people got let go last week and now I'm panicking about whether I'd even qualify for unemployment if I got cut too. Does anyone know how long you need to work before you can file with NYS Department of Labor? I've been working full-time since June making about $48k annually but I have no idea if that's enough work history to qualify for UI benefits.
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Aisha Rahman
You need to meet what's called the 'base period' requirement. For NYS Department of Labor, you generally need to have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period, and your total wages need to be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings. The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Since you've been working since June, you should have wages in Q3 and Q4 of last year, so you might qualify depending on your exact earnings.
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Mateo Perez
•Thanks! So if I started in June 2024, would my base period include Q3 2024 and Q4 2024? I'm still confused about the quarter thing.
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CosmicCrusader
The minimum is usually around $2,400 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least $3,600 in your base period. With a $48k salary working since June, you should easily meet those requirements. You can check your wage history on the my.ny.gov portal to see exactly what NYS Department of Labor has on file for you.
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Ethan Brown
•wait really?? I thought you needed to work for like a full year before you could get unemployment
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Yuki Yamamoto
Dude your overthinking this. If you've been working full time for 6 months your definitely eligible. The hard part isn't qualifying its actually getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor when you need help with your claim lol
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Carmen Ortiz
•Actually getting through to NYS Department of Labor is such a nightmare! I spent weeks trying to call them about my adjudication issue. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI. Saved me so much frustration compared to calling the regular number and getting hung up on.
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Andre Rousseau
Wait, what if you get fired for cause? Does that affect eligibility even if you meet the work requirements? I'm asking for a friend who might be in trouble at work and has only been there 8 months...
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Aisha Rahman
•Getting fired for misconduct can disqualify you from benefits, but it depends on the specific circumstances. NYS Department of Labor will investigate and make a determination. Your friend should still file a claim and let them decide - don't assume you're disqualified.
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Zoe Papadakis
ugh this whole system is so confusing!! why can't they just tell you straight up if your eligible or not instead of all these quarter calculations and base periods. like just make it simple - work X months = eligible, work less = not eligible. done!
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