How to qualify for unemployment benefits in NY - confused about NYS Department of Labor requirements
I'm trying to figure out if I qualify for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor but honestly I'm pretty confused about all the requirements. I lost my job last month when my company downsized and I've been putting off filing because I'm not sure if I meet the criteria. I worked full-time for about 18 months at this job but before that I had a few part-time positions. Do I need a certain amount of work history? Also I heard there are requirements about being available for work and doing job searches - what exactly does that mean? I don't want to file and then get in trouble for not meeting some requirement I didn't know about. Can someone explain the basic qualifications in simple terms?
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Sienna Gomez
The main requirements for NY unemployment are pretty straightforward. You need to have worked and earned wages in at least 2 quarters during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). With 18 months of full-time work you should definitely meet the wage requirements. You also need to be unemployed through no fault of your own (layoffs/downsizing qualify), be physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking employment. The job search requirement is 3 work search activities per week once your claim is approved.
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Daryl Bright
•Thank you! What counts as a 'work search activity'? Is it just applying for jobs or are there other things that qualify?
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Kirsuktow DarkBlade
Work search activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, interviewing, contacting employers directly, working with employment agencies, or taking approved training courses. You need to keep a log of all your activities in case NYS Department of Labor asks for it during an audit. Don't just apply to random jobs though - they have to be suitable for your skills and experience level.
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Abigail bergen
•This is really helpful info. I had no idea about the work search log requirement.
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Ahooker-Equator
One thing to add - if you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about your eligibility, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. It was super helpful when I needed to clarify some confusing parts of my application.
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Daryl Bright
•I'll check that out, thanks! The NYS Department of Labor phone system is definitely intimidating.
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Anderson Prospero
ugh the whole system is so confusing why cant they just make it simple?? i filed my claim and then got some letter about adjudication and now im worried i did something wrong. its been like 3 weeks and still no money
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Sienna Gomez
•Adjudication just means they're reviewing your claim to verify the information. It's normal and usually takes 2-4 weeks. Don't panic - most claims get approved after the review process.
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Tyrone Hill
Just wanted to say I was in a similar situation last year and it worked out fine. The application process seems overwhelming but it's really not that bad once you start. Make sure you have your employment history ready with dates and employer info.
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Amara Okonkwo
I just went through this process myself a few months ago and wanted to share what helped me. Beyond the basic eligibility requirements others mentioned, I'd suggest gathering all your employment documents before you start - W-2s, pay stubs, and exact dates of employment for all jobs in the past 18 months. Also, start thinking about your job search strategy now because you'll need to begin those 3 weekly activities right after filing. One tip: create a simple spreadsheet to track your work search activities from day one - include company name, position, how you applied, and date. It makes the weekly certifications much easier and you'll be prepared if they audit your claim later.
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