How to apply for seasonal unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?
I work at a ski resort in the Catskills and our season just ended last week. This is my first time dealing with seasonal layoffs and I'm not sure how to apply for unemployment benefits. Do I apply the same way as regular unemployment through NYS Department of Labor? My manager said something about seasonal workers being eligible but I don't know what forms I need or if there's a special process. Any help would be appreciated!
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Gabriel Graham
Seasonal unemployment works the same way as regular UI claims through NYS Department of Labor. You file your initial claim online at labor.ny.gov just like any other worker. The main difference is that you'll likely have a seasonal work pattern in your base period, but that doesn't disqualify you. Make sure you have your employer information and earnings records ready when you file.
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Alicia Stern
•Thanks! Do I need to do the job search requirements even though I know I'll be going back to the same job next season?
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Drake
yeah i did this last year when the summer camp i work at closed for winter, its pretty straightforward just file online
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Sarah Jones
You still need to meet the job search requirements unless you have a specific return-to-work date from your employer. NYS Department of Labor requires you to actively seek work unless you're on standby status. If your ski resort gave you a letter saying you'll be recalled for next season with a specific date, that might qualify you for standby. Otherwise, you'll need to log your job search activities in the work search record.
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Alicia Stern
•They didn't give me a specific date, just said they'd call when they start hiring for next season. Guess I need to start looking for other work then.
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Sebastian Scott
•Same boat here with landscaping work. Winter layoffs are the worst because you know it's temporary but still gotta jump through all the hoops.
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Emily Sanjay
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to clarify my seasonal status last year. Kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever. Someone mentioned using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you run into issues reaching someone to ask about your specific situation.
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Jordan Walker
•Never heard of that but honestly anything is better than spending hours on hold with NYS Department of Labor just to get hung up on
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Natalie Adams
One thing to watch out for - make sure your seasonal employer reports your wages correctly to NYS Department of Labor. I had issues because my summer job didn't report all my hours properly and it affected my benefit calculation. Double check your wage history online after you file your claim.
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Anastasia Popov
Also keep in mind that as a seasonal worker, you might be eligible for benefits even if you don't have a full year of work history. NYS Department of Labor looks at your "base period" which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Since ski resorts usually operate winter to spring, make sure you include any other work you did during the off-season last year when calculating your eligibility. Even part-time or temporary work can help establish your claim.
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