NY unemployment benefits suddenly stopped - how to qualify with insufficient wages?

You're likely dealing with the base period wage requirements. To qualify for NY unemployment in 2025, you need to have earned at least $6,120 across multiple quarters in your base period (typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you applied). If you don't meet that minimum, you'll be disqualified. This happens a lot when people reapply after their benefit year ends and they haven't worked enough in between claims. You should request a monetary determination review if you believe they've calculated your wages incorrectly.

When this happened to me, I was going CRAZY trying to reach someone at NYSDOL. Spent literal days redialing that number. Then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual unemployment agent in under 30 minutes. They have this system that keeps calling for you and gets you past the busy signals. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - After I finally talked to someone, they explained exactly what was wrong with my claim and what I needed to do.

This issue is EXACTLY why the system is broken!!! They dont explain ANYTHING clearly and just expect everyone to understand these crazy rules. I had the SAME THING happen in January and spent 6 WEEKS with no income because of their stupid "base period" rules. The worst part is they KNOW most people won't qualify when they make you reapply but they make you do it anyway instead of just telling you upfront!!

u might qualify for NY state safety net assistance if u dont have enough wages for unemployment. theres also the SNAP benefits u can apply for to help with food

To directly answer your question about appeals: Yes, you can file an appeal if you believe the determination is incorrect, but you need valid grounds to appeal. Valid reasons would include: 1. NYSDOL missed some of your wages in their calculation 2. They used the wrong base period to determine eligibility 3. You have wages from another state that weren't considered If none of these apply and you truly don't meet the minimum earnings requirement, an appeal likely won't change the outcome. Your options would be: - Apply for alternative assistance programs as others suggested - Wait until you've earned sufficient wages in a new base period - Request a hearing if you believe there's been a mistake You have 30 days from the determination date to request a hearing through your online account or by mail.

this happened to my cousin last year and she had to take any job she could find just to get some income. the whole system is designed to force people to take terrible jobs nobody wants. she wound up at amazon warehouse making less than unemployment was paying her.

One additional thing to consider: If you worked in multiple states during your base period, you might be eligible for a combined wage claim. The NYSDOL should automatically check for wages in other states, but sometimes you need to specifically request this. Also, depending on your circumstances, you might qualify for the Extended Base Period, which looks at wages from an earlier timeframe. This sometimes helps people who had employment gaps.

Anyone here know how long we have to work to qualify for a new claim? Like if I get a job tomorrow, how many months before I can apply for unemployment again if I get laid off?

my sister had this happen and she just started doing doordash and instacart till she could find another regular job. not ideal but at least some money coming in

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I managed to get through to NYSDOL this morning (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - totally worth it). The agent confirmed I don't have enough wages in my base period for regular UI. She suggested applying for Safety Net Assistance through the NY Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance instead. Starting the application today and also applying for some quick gig work to bring in something while I job hunt. Will update if I run into more issues with the application!