How long you have to be on a job to get unemployment benefits in NY?
I just started a new job about 8 weeks ago and I'm already thinking it might not work out. My supervisor keeps changing my schedule last minute and the work environment is pretty toxic. If I quit or get fired, would I even qualify for unemployment benefits? I know there's some kind of minimum time you have to work but I can't find clear info on the NYS Department of Labor website about exactly how long. Does anyone know the rules?
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Zara Malik
In New York, you need to have worked long enough to earn sufficient wages during your base period to qualify for UI benefits. The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. You need at least $2,600 in wages during your base period and wages in at least two quarters. It's not about how long you worked at one specific job - it's about your total earnings during that time frame.
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Sean Kelly
•Oh so it's based on quarters not just time at one job? That makes more sense. I worked at my previous job for about 6 months before starting this one so I should have earnings in multiple quarters then.
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Luca Greco
wait but if you quit don't you get disqualified automatically? i thought you had to be fired or laid off to get unemployment
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Nia Thompson
•Not automatically, but quitting without good cause will disqualify you. However, if you can prove you quit for good cause (like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job), you might still be eligible. The NYS Department of Labor will investigate during adjudication to determine if your reason for quitting qualifies.
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Mateo Rodriguez
I had a similar situation last year where I couldn't reach anyone at NYS Department of Labor to ask about my eligibility before I made my decision. The phone lines are always busy and the online chat never works. I ended up using 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. Really helped me understand my options before I made any moves.
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Sean Kelly
•That's really helpful, thanks! I definitely want to talk to someone official before I do anything drastic.
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Aisha Hussain
Just be careful about quitting without having another job lined up. Even if you qualify for benefits the amount might not be enough to cover all your bills. The maximum weekly benefit in NY is around $504 but most people get way less than that.
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GalacticGladiator
The NYS Department of Labor system is so confusing! I've been trying to figure out my own eligibility for weeks and every time I call I get different information. Some rep told me I needed to work for 6 months minimum but then another one said it was about quarterly earnings. Why can't they just give straight answers??
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Zara Malik
•That's frustrating but the second rep was correct. It's definitely about your base period earnings, not a specific time requirement at one job. The $2,600 minimum and having wages in at least two quarters are the actual requirements.
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Clay blendedgen
I'm in a similar boat - dealing with a toxic work environment and considering my options. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like the key is documenting everything if you're thinking about quitting for good cause. Keep records of schedule changes, any harassment, unsafe conditions, etc. That way if you do decide to quit, you'll have evidence to support your claim that it was for good cause. The NYS DOL will need that documentation during their investigation. Also definitely try to get through to speak with someone official before making any decisions - sounds like Claimyr might be worth checking out if the regular phone lines aren't working.
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Miguel Ortiz
•This is really solid advice about documenting everything! I've been keeping a log of all the last-minute schedule changes my supervisor has been making, but I hadn't thought about documenting the toxic work environment aspects too. Do you know what kind of evidence the NYS DOL typically looks for when evaluating "good cause" claims? Like do emails count, or do you need witness statements? I want to make sure I'm gathering the right type of documentation in case I do decide to quit.
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