NY unemployment denied me - says I left job voluntarily but I was let go!

This happens more often than you'd think. Your employer might have reported the wrong separation reason to NYSDOL. You absolutely should appeal - I've seen many cases like yours get reversed. For the appeal, gather: 1) Any termination letter/email, 2) Final pay stub, 3) Any communication showing they let you go (texts/emails), 4) Contact info for witnesses. File the appeal online through your NY.gov account or use the form that came with your determination. Make it clear and factual - "I was terminated due to company restructuring on [date]. I did not quit voluntarily." Appeals typically take 3-6 weeks for a hearing.

omg same thing happend to me last month. they said i quit but my manager fired me. so stupid. i had to wait like a month for my hearing but i won. just make sure u have proof

Submit everything you have with the initial appeal AND bring it to the hearing. The determination letter should have instructions for filing an appeal. Be aware that during the appeal process, you must continue to certify weekly even though you won't receive benefits until (and unless) the appeal is decided in your favor. If you win, you'll get backpay for all eligible weeks. Make sure you read the employer's response before the hearing so you're prepared to address their claims.

This happend to my sister too!! Her boss said she was fired for beign late but in the unemployment they said she quit!!! The system is SO BROKEN!!! They do this on purpose to save money!!! The whole system is rigged against regular poeple!!!

I had almost the identical situation in January. I spent WEEKS trying to get through to someone at unemployment to fix this. Calling their regular number was useless - always disconnected after waiting for hours. I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in under 30 minutes. Cost money but worth every penny since I was able to explain my situation and get things moving. They have a demo video if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE Even after getting through, I still needed to submit documentation for my appeal. The agent explained exactly what they needed though, which made the process much easier. Good luck!

I represented myself at my appeal hearing last year. Just be organized and stick to facts. My employer didn't even show up to defend their position and I automatically won. Bring a witness if possible - like a coworker who knows you were laid off. In my hearing, the judge just asked me a bunch of questions and I answered honestly.

Update: I filed my appeal online yesterday and uploaded the termination email showing I was laid off during restructuring. Also included screenshots of text messages with my manager where she mentioned the layoffs. The confirmation page said it could take 4-8 weeks for a hearing date, which is terrifying since I'm running low on funds. Does anyone know if there's a way to expedite this process? I'm still certifying weekly as advised.

no i didnt use a lawyer it was just me. the judge was actually nice. but my boss didnt show up so maybe thats why i won so easy lol

Upload everything with your initial appeal - it speeds things up. And definitely mention your financial situation in the appeal. Sometimes they'll prioritize cases with demonstrated hardship. Keep all your evidence organized in a folder so you're ready for the hearing. Be professional and calm during the hearing even if you're stressed - it makes a difference in how your case is perceived.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now and I'm curious what happens next. Did you get any official confirmation after submitting your appeal? I submitted mine 2 weeks ago and haven't heard anything yet. The waiting and uncertainty is killing me!

Just got my hearing date! April 15th, so about 3 weeks from now. They sent instructions for the phone hearing and said both me and my former employer will be called. I'm nervous but feeling more prepared thanks to everyone's advice here. I've gathered all my evidence and am rehearsing how to clearly explain what happened. Will update after the hearing!