NY unemployment eligibility question - worked only Dec 2021 to Jan 2022?

No, sorry but ur not eligible. Unemployment base period looks at the most recent 5 calendar quarters before u file. So filing now in 2025 means ur work from 2021/2022 is WAY too old to count. u need more recent work to qualify.

The previous comment is mostly correct, but let me clarify how the base period works for NY unemployment: The standard base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. To qualify, you need to have: 1. Worked in jobs covered by unemployment insurance 2. Earned at least $2,900 in one calendar quarter 3. Earned wages in at least two calendar quarters 4. Your total wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter With your work history ending in January 2022, and it now being 2025, your work falls outside both the standard base period and the alternate base period. You would need more recent employment to qualify for benefits now.

I had a similar issue last year! I kept getting rejected online and couldn't figure out why. Turns out I was just outside the base period. I spent DAYS trying to reach someone at NYSDOL to see if there were any exceptions... impossible to get through on the phone. Finally I used Claimyr.com to get connected to an agent in about 20 mins. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE The agent confirmed I wasn't eligible based on older work, but they were able to tell me about other assistance programs I could apply for instead. Worth checking out if you need to speak with someone directly about your options!

Is anyone else SICK of how NY makes these rules so complicated?? Why can't they just help people who need it? I lost my job in 2023 and they made me jump through SO MANY HOOPS to get benefits, and now they're auditing me for no reason! The system is DESIGNED to deny as many claims as possible!!!!

my cousin had this exact problem last year when she tried to file. she worked in 2022 for like 3 months then was taking care of her mom who was sick. when she tried to file in 2024 they said it was too late cuz of that base period thing. she ended up having to take a job at walmart just to pay rent. its so unfair

To add to the helpful information already provided, since you're not eligible for UI based on that work history, here are some other programs you might want to look into: 1. SNAP benefits (food assistance) 2. HEAP (heating and energy assistance) 3. Medicaid for healthcare coverage 4. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs through NY Career Centers for job training You can apply for most of these through NY.gov. The job training programs in particular might help you get back into stable employment that would eventually qualify you for UI if needed in the future.

just wondering did u file taxes for those jobs u worked at in 2021/2022? cuz thats important too. if u didnt pay taxes they might say u never worked there officially

u might wanna try calling 211, they can tell u about other help programs since unemployment isnt gonna work out

One last thing to consider: If you've had any employment at all in the more recent quarters, even part-time or gig work that you received a 1099 for, make sure to mention that when you speak with someone. Sometimes people don't realize that certain types of work can count toward their base period calculations. But from what you've described, it sounds like you're primarily doing casual odd jobs that probably wouldn't qualify as covered employment. When you speak with a representative (whether through the NYSDOL directly or using a service to reach them), be prepared with: 1. All your employment history for the past 18 months 2. Any tax documents you have 3. Information about your job search efforts This will help them give you the most accurate guidance about your specific situation.