Laid off twice in a year - Do I qualify for NY unemployment again?
Hey everyone, I need some help figuring out my unemployment situation. I was laid off from my full-time job last summer and collected unemployment from September to December. Then I got a part-time job (28 hours a week) from January to May, but I just got laid off again. The part-time job paid less than my previous one. Do I qualify for unemployment now? Should I file a new claim or continue with my old one? The NY unemployment FAQ says something about needing to earn 10 times my benefit rate in the benefit year for a new claim. Does this mean I don't qualify because I earned less at my part-time job? Or should I just certify for the 8 weeks left on my old claim? Any advice would be appreciated!
28 comments

Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve reopening unemployment claim issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zACqh8wdLd0
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Marcus Patterson
Ugh, that sucks. The system is so confusing! I think you should be able to reopen your old claim since it hasn't been a full year yet. But don't quote me on that lol. Have you tried calling the unemployment office? They might be able to give you a better answer.
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Eli Butler
AuthorThanks for the reply! Yeah, I've been trying to call but it's impossible to get through. The phone lines are always busy 😫
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Lydia Bailey
Pro tip: call right when they open in the morning. That's how I finally got through after trying for weeks!
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Eli Butler
AuthorGood idea, I'll give that a shot. What time do they open?
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Lydia Bailey
I think it's 8 AM, but double-check on their website to be sure. Good luck!
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Mateo Warren
Hey, I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE
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Sofia Price
Wow, that sounds too good to be true. Have you actually used it? Is it legit?
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Mateo Warren
Yep, I've used it twice now. Saved me hours of frustration. It's legit, just costs a bit.
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Alice Coleman
Idk man, paying to talk to unemployment? Seems sketchy af 🤔
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Mateo Warren
I get the skepticism, but when you're desperate to get through, it's worth it. Time is money, ya know? 🤷♂️
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Owen Jenkins
How long did it take for them to call you back?
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Mateo Warren
It took about 2 hours the first time, and just under an hour the second time. Way better than spending all day trying to get through!
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Lilah Brooks
I've been in a similar situation before. Here's what I know based on my experience and research: 1. If it's been less than a year since you first filed your claim, you should be able to reopen your existing claim. You don't need to file a new one. 2. The 10 times benefit rate rule applies to filing a completely new claim after your benefit year ends. Since you're still within your benefit year, this shouldn't apply to you. 3. You should be able to certify for the remaining 8 weeks on your old claim. Make sure to report any earnings from your part-time job accurately when you certify. 4. After reopening your claim, your weekly benefit amount will likely stay the same as it was before, based on your higher-paying full-time job. 5. If you're having trouble reaching someone by phone, try using the online system to reopen your claim. It's usually faster and easier. 6. If all else fails, I've heard good things about using claimyr.com to get through to an agent. It costs a bit, but it might save you a lot of time and stress. Hope this helps! Let us know how it goes.
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Eli Butler
AuthorThank you so much for this detailed response! It really clears things up. I'll try reopening my claim online and see how it goes.
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Jackson Carter
This is great info! Saving this for future reference 💯
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Kolton Murphy
The unemployment system is such a joke. They make it so complicated on purpose to discourage people from claiming what they're entitled to. Smh 🤦♂️
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Evelyn Rivera
Have you checked if you qualify for partial unemployment? Since you were working part-time, you might be eligible for some benefits even while you were working. Worth looking into!
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Eli Butler
AuthorOh, I didn't even think about that! I'll definitely look into it. Thanks for the tip!
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Julia Hall
Guys, always remember to document EVERYTHING when dealing with ny unemployment. Save emails, take screenshots, write down who you talked to and when. It'll save your butt if theres ever a dispute!
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Arjun Patel
THIS 👆 Learned this the hard way. Now I keep a whole folder just for unemployment stuff.
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Jade Lopez
lmao welcome to the wonderful world of new york unemployment. Where the rules are made up and your sanity doesn't matter 🤡
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Tony Brooks
🤣🤣🤣 Ain't that the truth! It's like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded
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Ella rollingthunder87
Hey OP, any update on your situation? Did you manage to reopen your claim?
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Eli Butler
AuthorThanks for asking! I tried reopening online but got an error. Gonna try calling again tomorrow morning. Wish me luck! 🤞
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Ella rollingthunder87
Ugh, typical. Good luck! Let us know how it goes
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Jay O
I'm interested in how this worked out? I reopened my claim 6 weeks ago, have certified every week, and haven't heard a thing from the DOL! So frustrating!
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GamerGirl99
@Jay O That s'awful! 6 weeks with no response is unacceptable. Have you tried reaching out to your local assembly member or senator s'office? Sometimes they can help cut through the red tape with state agencies. Also, you might want to consider that claimyr service people mentioned earlier - might be worth the $20 to actually talk to someone!
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