How long do you have to work for a company before you can collect unemployment benefits?
I just started a new job three months ago and I'm worried they might let me go during their quarterly review next week. I've been hearing rumors about layoffs and I'm wondering - if I do get laid off, would I even qualify for unemployment benefits? How long do you actually have to work somewhere before you can collect? I worked at my previous job for two years before this one, but there was a gap of about 6 weeks between jobs. Does that matter for NYS Department of Labor eligibility?
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Alejandro Castro
The work requirement isn't based on how long you worked for one specific company. NYS Department of Labor looks at your total work history during what's called the 'base period' - which is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. You need to have worked in at least 2 quarters and earned a minimum amount. Since you worked for 2 years at your previous job plus 3 months at the current one, you should definitely meet the work requirements.
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Maggie Martinez
•That's a relief! So the 6 week gap between jobs won't hurt my eligibility?
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Alejandro Castro
•No, gaps in employment don't affect your base period earnings. As long as you earned enough wages during those quarters when you were working, you'll qualify.
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Monique Byrd
wait so its not like you have to work somewhere for a full year first?? i thought there was some kind of minimum time requirement
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Jackie Martinez
•No minimum time at one job. It's all about total earnings during the base period quarters. I've seen people qualify who worked multiple short-term contracts.
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Lia Quinn
I was in a similar situation last year - worked 4 months at a startup before they went under. I was worried I wouldn't qualify but turns out my previous job history covered me. The NYS Department of Labor website has a benefits calculator where you can check if you meet the wage requirements. You just need your wage statements from the past 18 months or so.
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Maggie Martinez
•Good to know about the calculator! I'll check that out just to be sure.
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Haley Stokes
The system is so confusing though! I tried calling NYS Department of Labor last month to ask about my base period and could never get through. Kept getting hung up on after waiting for like an hour. Is there any way to actually talk to someone there?
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Asher Levin
•I had the same problem trying to reach them about my adjudication issue. A friend told me about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to NYS Department of Labor agents. I was skeptical at first but tried it and actually got through in like 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Haley Stokes
•Really? That sounds too good to be true but at this point I'm willing to try anything.
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Serene Snow
Just remember that even if you qualify for benefits, you still have to meet all the other requirements - like being able and available for work, doing your job search activities, and filing your weekly claims on time. And if you get fired for misconduct instead of laid off, that could disqualify you regardless of how long you worked.
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Oliver Schulz
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I had no idea it was based on quarters instead of time at one specific job. @Lia Quinn that benefits calculator sounds perfect - I'll definitely check that out before my review next week. It's such a relief to know that my previous job history should cover me if the worst happens. The whole unemployment system seemed so mysterious before but you've all made it much clearer!
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