Lost my job last week - how to get fired so i can collect unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?
So I was let go from my retail job last Thursday because they said I was always late and had attendance issues. My manager told me I was terminated for cause. Now I'm trying to figure out if I can still get unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor or if being fired disqualifies me completely? I've been working there for 8 months and really need the income while I look for something new. Has anyone been in this situation before? What should I expect when I file my claim?
8 comments
Join the conversation
Yara Nassar
Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. NYS Department of Labor will review your case to determine if your termination was for 'misconduct.' Attendance issues can be tricky - it depends if they were willful violations of company policy or due to circumstances beyond your control. When you file your initial claim, be honest about the reason for separation. The employer will have a chance to respond, and NYS Department of Labor will make a determination based on all the facts.
0 coins
Connor Murphy
•Thanks, that's helpful. I was late because of transportation issues mostly. Should I mention that when I file or wait until they ask for more details?
0 coins
StarGazer101
I got fired from my last job for similar reasons and still got approved for UI benefits. Just be truthful on your application about what happened. If they deny you initially, you can always appeal the decision.
0 coins
Keisha Jackson
•How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about how I'm going to pay rent next month.
0 coins
Paolo Romano
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on your claim status or if you get stuck in adjudication, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. They basically call on your behalf and get you connected without waiting on hold for hours. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really saved me a lot of frustration when I couldn't get answers about my pending claim.
0 coins
Connor Murphy
•Interesting, I'll look into that if I run into issues with my application. Right now I'm just trying to get the initial claim filed correctly.
0 coins
Amina Diop
The whole system is so confusing!! I don't understand why they make it so hard to get benefits when you really need them. Good luck with your claim.
0 coins
Mei Zhang
I went through something similar last year when I was terminated from my job. The key thing to remember is that NYS Department of Labor looks at whether your actions were willful misconduct versus just poor performance or circumstances beyond your control. Transportation issues that caused tardiness might not be considered misconduct if you were making good faith efforts to get to work. When you file your claim, definitely mention the transportation challenges - it shows you weren't being deliberately negligent. Also, keep records of any documentation from your employer about the termination reason. The whole process can take a few weeks, so file as soon as possible. Don't let the "fired for cause" label discourage you from applying - many people in similar situations still qualify for benefits.
0 coins