How to get approved for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I just lost my job last week and I'm trying to figure out how to get approved for unemployment benefits. I've never filed before and honestly have no idea what I'm doing. I know I need to apply through NYS Department of Labor but what are the actual requirements to get approved? I'm worried they'll deny me for some reason I don't know about. Can someone walk me through what they're looking for when they review applications?
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StarStrider
The main requirements for NYS Department of Labor approval are pretty straightforward: you need to have lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, etc.), have earned enough wages in your base period, and be able and available to work. Make sure you file your application as soon as possible since there's a waiting week. You'll also need to register for work search and start looking for jobs immediately.
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Zara Ahmed
•What exactly is a base period? And how much do I need to have earned?
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Luca Esposito
Base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. You need to have worked and earned wages in at least 2 quarters, with total earnings of at least $2,600. Also need at least $1,300 in your highest earning quarter. If you were fired for misconduct or quit without good cause, you'll be disqualified.
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Nia Thompson
•Wait I'm confused about the quarters thing... if I file in January 2025, what would my base period be exactly?
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Luca Esposito
•If you file in January 2025, your base period would be January-March 2024, April-June 2024, July-September 2024, and October-December 2024.
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Mateo Rodriguez
Just make sure you're completely honest on your application. NYS Department of Labor will verify everything with your employer anyway. I made the mistake of not reporting some part-time work I did and it held up my claim for weeks while they investigated.
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Zara Ahmed
•That's exactly what I'm worried about! How long did it take to get resolved?
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Aisha Abdullah
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on your application status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me when my claim got stuck in adjudication for 3 weeks.
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Ethan Wilson
•How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay to talk to the people who are supposed to help us.
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Aisha Abdullah
•I get the frustration but honestly when you're waiting weeks for benefits and can't get through on your own, it's worth having options. The demo explains everything better than I can.
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NeonNova
The whole system is a nightmare honestly. They make it so complicated on purpose to discourage people from filing. Just be prepared for lots of waiting and confusing forms.
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StarStrider
•I understand the frustration but the requirements exist for good reasons. Once you get through the initial process it's really not that bad if you stay on top of your weekly claims.
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