Is depression a disability for unemployment benefits in NY - need help understanding eligibility
I've been dealing with severe depression for the past few months and it's gotten to the point where I can't handle my retail job anymore. My doctor says I need to take time off work but I'm not sure if this qualifies me for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor. Does anyone know if depression counts as a disability that would make me eligible? I'm worried about being denied because I technically quit my job, but it wasn't really by choice if that makes sense. Has anyone been through something similar with mental health issues?
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Mia Roberts
Depression can potentially qualify you for unemployment benefits in NY, but it depends on the specific circumstances. If you quit due to medical reasons that your doctor documented, you might be eligible under 'good cause' provisions. You'll need medical documentation from your healthcare provider stating that your condition made it impossible to continue working. The key is proving it wasn't a voluntary quit but rather a medically necessary leave.
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Grace Lee
•Thank you, this gives me some hope. My psychiatrist has been documenting everything and said she'd provide whatever paperwork I need. Do you know what specific forms NYS Department of Labor requires for this?
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The Boss
i had to quit my job last year because of panic attacks and depression got really bad. took like 2 months but they finally approved my claim after i sent in all the doctors notes. you have to keep filing your weekly claims even while its under review
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Grace Lee
•That's reassuring to hear it worked out for you. Did they ask for a lot of documentation or just the basic doctor's note?
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The Boss
•they wanted like everything - initial diagnosis, treatment records, statement from doctor saying i couldnt work, the whole thing. but once i got it all together it went through
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Evan Kalinowski
You'll want to file your claim as soon as possible and indicate that you left for medical reasons when they ask about your separation. During the adjudication process, NYS Department of Labor will review your medical documentation. Make sure your doctor's statement clearly explains how your depression prevents you from performing your job duties. Also keep in mind that you'll still need to be available and able to work for future employment once you're ready to return, which is part of the ongoing eligibility requirements.
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Victoria Charity
I've been trying to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my own medical separation and the phone lines are impossible. If you need to speak with an actual person about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. It was way easier than spending hours on hold getting disconnected.
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Grace Lee
•Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into that if I run into issues getting through to them.
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Jasmine Quinn
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I've been fighting with them for months over my anxiety disorder and they keep asking for more and more paperwork. Even with multiple doctors saying I can't work they still want to drag it out. Don't get your hopes up that this will be easy or quick.
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Oscar Murphy
•I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time with this. The adjudication process can definitely be frustrating, especially when dealing with mental health issues. Hang in there.
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Nora Bennett
just want to say i hope things get better for you. depression is so hard and it takes courage to recognize when you need help. the unemployment stuff will work out but focus on taking care of yourself first
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