How long to work for a company to get unemployment benefits in NY?
I just started a new job last month but I'm worried it might not work out due to some issues with management. If I end up getting let go or have to quit, how long do I need to work at this company to qualify for unemployment? I worked at my previous job for about 8 months before this one. Does NYS Department of Labor count time from multiple employers or do you need a certain amount of time at one specific company? Really stressed about this situation and want to know my options.
11 comments
Join the conversation
Alejandro Castro
NYS Department of Labor doesn't require you to work a specific amount of time at ONE company. They look at your total earnings over what's called your 'base period' - usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. You need to have earned at least $2,600 in your highest quarter and total wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings. Your 8 months at the previous job plus your current month should count toward this.
0 coins
Maggie Martinez
•Thank you! That's really helpful. Do you know if there are any restrictions on quitting vs being laid off? I'm hoping I don't have to quit but the work environment is pretty toxic.
0 coins
Monique Byrd
be careful about quitting though!! if you quit without good cause you might get disqualified even if you meet the earnings requirements. NYS Department of Labor is pretty strict about that
0 coins
Jackie Martinez
•This is correct. If you quit voluntarily, you need to prove 'good cause' which is a pretty high bar. Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties might qualify. Document everything if you're thinking about quitting.
0 coins
Lia Quinn
I had a similar situation last year where I was worried about getting fired from a job I'd only been at for 6 weeks. When I eventually did get laid off, my claim was approved because my previous job history covered the earnings requirements. The NYS Department of Labor rep I spoke with said they don't care how long you were at your most recent job as long as your total base period earnings qualify you.
0 coins
Maggie Martinez
•How were you able to actually talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor? Every time I call I just get disconnected or put on hold forever.
0 coins
Lia Quinn
•I actually used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to unemployment agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting nowhere. Worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.
0 coins
Haley Stokes
wait so if I only worked 3 months total in the past year I probably don't qualify right?? this is confusing
0 coins
Alejandro Castro
•It depends on how much you earned in those 3 months. If you made enough to meet the minimum wage requirements in your highest quarter, you might still qualify. But 3 months of work typically isn't enough unless you were making really good money.
0 coins
Asher Levin
The whole system is ridiculous honestly. I worked for 2 years straight and when I finally needed unemployment they found some technicality to deny me initially. Had to appeal and everything. NYS Department of Labor makes it so unnecessarily complicated just to get benefits you've earned.
0 coins
Serene Snow
•Same here, such a hassle dealing with them. But hang in there OP, sounds like you should be fine with your work history.
0 coins