NY unemployment denied me after working steadily - they say not enough work history despite covid shutdown

Same thing happened to me! The way NY unemployment calculates your base period is really stupid. They look at the last 5 quarters but not the most recent one. So if you had that covid gap and then only worked for like 8-10 months, they might not count enough wages. You need to file an appeal ASAP - don't wait! The hearing takes forever to schedule.

I was in this exact situation and banging my head against the wall trying to get through to someone at ny unemployment. After 2 weeks of constant calling and never reaching a person, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real agent. The agent was able to look at my case, see the covid gap wasn't my fault, and override the automated denial. Talking to an agent got my $ unlocked so fast - best decision I made! Check out this video for how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE

You need to request a hearing and explain that the gap was due to COVID. Request it in writing AND call (if you can ever get through 🙄). Also, did you verify which quarters they're counting? Sometimes they don't look at the right period and that's why you get denied. The letter should specify which quarters they're using to calculate eligibility.

This is actually a widespread issue with NY unemployment right now. The system wasn't properly updated to account for COVID gaps in employment. My friend works at the dept and says they're overwhelmed with these exact appeals. You WILL qualify eventually but you need to be persistent. Also call your state rep/assemblyperson - they can sometimes expedite these issues.

Have you tried using the alternate base period? NY unemployment actually has two different ways to calculate your eligibility. The standard one looks at the earliest 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. But there's also an alternate calculation that looks at the 4 most recent completed quarters. You have to specifically REQUEST this though - they don't automatically check it. If you worked steadily before COVID, had a gap, then worked several months before being let go again, the alternate base period might work better for you. Many people don't know this exists! Also, when all else fails with ny unemployment, I highly recommend using claimyr.com to actually get someone on the phone who can help. The online system and automated stuff is useless for complex cases like yours. A human agent can often override these denials when they see your full history. Don't give up - the system is frustrating but you DO have options! I've helped several people navigate these exact issues as a volunteer at a worker's rights clinic.

the NY unemployment system is literally designed to prevent people from collecting. its all automated denials and then they make it impossible to reach anyone to fix it. total joke.

When you get denied for "not enough work history" but had an unavoidable gap because of COVID, you need to specifically request reconsideration under Section 590.11 of the NY Labor Law which covers exceptional circumstances. Most phone agents won't mention this unless you specifically bring it up.

Depending on when exactly you worked, you might qualify under the extended lookback period. After covid they temporarily allowed looking back further than the standard base period for exactly this reason. not sure if that's still in effect but worth asking about

hey just checking did u work any side jobs or gigs during covid that u reported on taxes? sometimes those earnings can help qualify u but u gotta specifically point them out

This is a perfect case for an appeal with hardship explained. print out the appeal form from their website (it's buried deep lol) and send it certified mail. then expect to wait forever. but also try calling every day if u can. U can also try that claimyr.com service a lot of ppl on here mention - i haven't used it personally but my cousin did and said it worked.

This is why NY unemployment is TRASH compared to other states. I moved here from Massachusetts and their system actually makes sense. NY's formula for calculating base periods makes no logical sense especially post-pandemic. Fight it hard and document EVERYTHING.

Somethint to consider - if you filed when you went back to work last time, you might have started a new benefit year. In NY, once you start a benefit year you have to earn 10x your weekly benefit amount in new work before you can establish a new claim. Could that be the issue?

I had this EXACT problem and calling solved it. After 20+ tries I finally got a human at ny unemployment who said the computer was wrong and manually overrode my denial. Keep calling!!!!

What was your exact denial reason? Sometimes the letters are super vague but theres a specific code at the bottom that tells the real reason. Can you check what code it shows?

ok so bear with me cuz this is gonna be long but I'm gonna tell you exactly what to do. I worked at nysdol for 3 years so I know the insider tricks. First, you need to formally appeal - but don't JUST appeal. Also submit a separate request for reconsideration based on COVID-related circumstances. These are processed differently and you want both going at once. Second, call the appeals phone line (NOT the regular UI line) early in the morning like 7:55am right before they open at 8. You're more likely to get through. Third, contact your state assembly member AND state senator simultaneously. Their offices have direct contacts at DOL who can expedite cases. Fourth, if all else fails, there's a backdoor method: file a complaint with the NYS Department of Financial Services. They have regulatory oversight and can sometimes get action when nothing else works. Fifth, try using claimyr.com to get through to an agent if you keep failing to connect. Many people on this forum have had success with it. The system is designed to be frustrating but with persistence you WILL get through. Don't give up! As a single mom you absolutely deserve these benefits that you've paid into through your work history. Good luck and let us know how it goes!