Left my job due to extreme stress - can I qualify for NY unemployment if I resigned?

I think it depends on if you can prove that you had 'good cause' to quit. Health reasons can sometimes qualify, but the burden of proof is on you. Did your doctor actually document that your health issues were work-related? That would help your case.

After weeks of failing to reach anyone at NY unemployment, I tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me a callback with an actual agent in less than 2 hours! I explained my situation (I also quit because of health reasons) and I was able to get approved. Talking to an agent got my benefits started without all the back and forth. Check out their youtube video too: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

In NY you CAN potentially qualify if you quit for "good cause." Health reasons documented by a doctor can count as good cause. I did this 2 years ago - quit because of anxiety/depression that was directly caused by my toxic workplace. Got denied initially, but won on appeal with doctor's documentation.

oof I tried this exact thing and got DENIED. The system is so messed up. They said I "should have explored all alternatives before quitting" whatever tf that means. Like was I supposed to wait until I had a literal breakdown?? The ny unemployment people just look for any reason to deny you tbh.

Listen, your situation sucks but here's the real deal: the system is DESIGNED to make it hard. If you apply online, you'll almost certainly get an automatic denial for a voluntary quit. You NEED to talk to a real person to explain your situation. I spent 3 weeks calling constantly before I finally got through. What helped me was: 1) Having detailed medical documentation 2) Proving I tried to resolve the issues before quitting (emails to HR, requests for accommodation) 3) Getting my doctor to specifically write that continuing at the job would cause serious health consequences 4) Finally reaching a human at unemployment who could actually understand nuance I was in a similar situation (quit after 12 years due to stress-induced health issues) and eventually got approved, but it took PERSISTENCE. The online system is useless for cases like ours. I wish I had known about claimyr.com back then - would have saved me weeks of frustration trying to reach an agent. If your case has any complexity (and yours does), you absolutely need to speak with a human.

Yo the whole "voluntary quit" thing is BS...if your work environment is literally making you sick, that's constructive dismissal. They basically forced you out by creating unbearable conditions. Make THAT your argument.

One thing you need to be prepared for: they WILL contact your ex-employer. So if you haven't already, document EVERYTHING about your working conditions before they can spin some BS narrative. Dates, times, emails, text messages, anything that backs up your version of events.

Serious question - did you try to get FMLA before quitting? Cuz that might affect your case. When I went through this, they asked if I tried to take medical leave first before resigning. Just something to prepare for when they ask.

I'm in a similar boat and am finding the whole process completely impossible! Been trying to get an actual human on the phone for days. The ny unemployment website is useless for situations like this. How tf are we supposed to explain complex circumstances on their crappy forms???

Dont give up! I was denied initially (also quit for health reasons) but won on appeal. Make sure you have medical documentation, proof that you notified your employer about the issues, and if possible, evidence that you tried to resolve the situation before quitting. The whole process took me about 3 months but I eventually got approved AND backpay.

You might be eligible under the "good cause" provision, but expect a fight. NY unemployment is swamped and they deny first, ask questions later. Also be prepared for a significant wait - my claim took 11 weeks to process last year.

The key phrase you want to use is "medically necessary resignation" - that's what finally got me approved. Make sure your doctor specifically states that continuing to work there would pose serious risk to your health and wellbeing.

Honestly the online application is a joke for anything complicated like this. I spent 6 weeks getting automated denials before I finally connected with an actual person who approved me in 10 minutes after hearing my full story. Getting through to a human is 90% of the battle with NY unemployment.

Everyone saying "yes you can get it with medical documentation" isn't telling the whole story. Yes technically you can qualify, but in practice NY is rejecting almost all voluntary quits initially. You'll likely have to appeal, and that process takes months. Just be mentally prepared for a long fight.

my cousin works at NY unemployment (dont dox me lol) and she says the secret is that you HAVE to talk to a claims specialist for cases like yours. The online system auto-denies most voluntary quits. Keep calling until you get a human!!!

Hot take: the system is DELIBERATELY confusing so people give up. 40% of eligible people never even complete their claims because the process is so frustrating. Don't be one of the 40%! Fight for what you're entitled to!

Anyone telling you a definite yes or no doesn't understand how this works. Every case is different and depends on the specific facts, documentation, and frankly which agent handles your claim. That's why getting to speak to someone directly is crucial.

As someone who used to work in HR, I can tell you that many employers automatically fight ALL unemployment claims, even legitimate ones, because it affects their unemployment insurance rates. Be prepared for your former employer to potentially challenge your claim.

smh at everyone saying "just call them"... like have yall TRIED calling ny unemployment lately? You'll be on hold for 5+ hours only to get disconnected. The system is broken af.