How long to work before getting unemployment benefits in NY?
I just started a new job last month but I'm worried it might not work out. My supervisor has been making comments about my performance and I'm stressed about potentially being let go. If that happens, how long do I need to have worked before I can qualify for unemployment benefits? I worked at my previous job for about 8 months before taking this new position. Does that previous work history count toward qualifying, or do I need to work a certain amount of time at this current job specifically?
11 comments
Join the conversation
Malik Jackson
Your previous work history definitely counts! NYS Department of Labor looks at your base period which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you worked 8 months at your previous job, that work should help you qualify. You need to have earned at least $2,600 in your base period and worked in at least 2 quarters to be eligible for UI benefits.
0 coins
Emma Thompson
•That's such a relief! I was worried I'd have to start completely over with work history. So even if I only worked one month at this current job, my previous 8 months would still count?
0 coins
Isabella Costa
Yeah the quarters thing is key. I had a similar situation where I switched jobs and got laid off pretty quick. As long as you earned enough money in those quarters and it wasn't your fault you lost the job, you should be good. Just make sure you file your weekly claims on time if it comes to that.
0 coins
StarSurfer
•What counts as 'not your fault' though? I've heard some employers try to claim misconduct even when they're just letting people go for performance issues.
0 coins
Ravi Malhotra
I went through this exact thing last year! Got fired after 3 weeks at a new job but my previous work counted. The adjudication process took FOREVER though - like 6 weeks before they approved my claim. If you do end up filing, be prepared for potential delays in getting your first payment.
0 coins
Emma Thompson
•6 weeks?? That's so long. Is there any way to speed up the adjudication process or do you just have to wait it out?
0 coins
Freya Christensen
•I had major issues reaching NYS Department of Labor during my adjudication. Kept getting busy signals or hung up on. Finally used 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 showing how it works. Honestly saved me weeks of frustration trying to get answers about my claim status.
0 coins
Omar Hassan
just make sure you document everything at work in case they do fire you. save emails, write down conversations with dates. NYS Department of Labor will want to know the reason you lost the job and having documentation helps your case
0 coins
Malik Jackson
•Absolutely this! Documentation is crucial if there's any dispute about whether you were fired for misconduct or not. Keep everything.
0 coins
Chloe Robinson
Hope things work out better than you expect! Sometimes those early job jitters turn out to be nothing. But good that you're thinking ahead about your options.
0 coins
Malik Robinson
You might also want to check if your current employer has any kind of employee assistance program or HR department you could talk to about your concerns. Sometimes what feels like criticism early on is just part of the learning curve, and having an honest conversation about expectations could help ease your stress. But it's definitely smart to know your options - and like others mentioned, your previous work history should definitely count toward your base period eligibility if worst comes to worst.
0 coins