Is diabetes a disability for NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits?
I was recently laid off from my warehouse job and I'm filing for unemployment. I have Type 1 diabetes that requires insulin monitoring throughout the day and sometimes affects my ability to work certain shifts. When I'm filling out my weekly claim certification, should I be indicating that I have a disability? I'm confused about whether diabetes counts as a disability for NYS Department of Labor purposes and if it affects my job search requirements. I want to make sure I'm answering the questions correctly so my claim doesn't get flagged for adjudication.
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Keisha Williams
Yes, diabetes can qualify as a disability under the ADA, but for NYS Department of Labor unemployment purposes, what matters is whether it affects your ability to work or limits the types of jobs you can accept. When you certify your weekly claims, you need to indicate if you're able and available for work. If your diabetes creates specific work limitations (like needing regular breaks for blood sugar monitoring), you should mention this. It won't disqualify you from benefits, but it may affect your job search requirements.
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PixelPioneer
•Thanks! So I should still mark that I'm able and available for work, but mention my accommodation needs if asked about job search activities?
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Paolo Rizzo
i have diabetes too and never had issues with my unemployment claim. just make sure you're looking for jobs that can accommodate your needs. the job search log should show you're actively applying to reasonable positions.
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Amina Sy
The key is documenting that you can work with reasonable accommodations. NYS Department of Labor considers you able and available if you can perform work with accommodations that don't create undue hardship for employers. Keep records of your job search efforts and note any accommodation requests you make to potential employers. If your claim goes into adjudication for any reason related to this, having that documentation will help.
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Oliver Fischer
•What if employers reject you because of the diabetes? Does that affect your unemployment eligibility?
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Amina Sy
•No, employer discrimination doesn't affect your unemployment eligibility. You're still considered to be actively searching for work. Just document those interactions in your job search log.
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Natasha Ivanova
I had trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about disability accommodations and my claim. Spent hours on hold before giving up. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent who explained everything clearly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me understand how to properly report my situation without affecting my benefits.
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PixelPioneer
•That's really helpful, thanks! I've been worried about calling because I know the lines are always busy.
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NebulaNomad
honestly the whole system is confusing about this stuff. i marked that i had no limitations and just applied to everything even jobs i probably couldn't do. seemed easier than trying to explain accommodations
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Keisha Williams
•That's risky though - if you accept a job you can't actually perform due to your condition, it could cause problems later. Better to be honest about your limitations upfront.
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