NYS Department of Labor claim denied after minimum wage increase - how does increasing minimum wage affect unemployment eligibility?

The minimum wage increase itself doesn't directly affect your unemployment eligibility. If you were laid off due to lack of work (which is what it sounds like), you should qualify for benefits regardless of the reason for the layoff. The 'work availability at prevailing wage rates' usually refers to whether you're willing to accept suitable work at current market rates. You should appeal this denial - sounds like NYS Department of Labor may have misinterpreted your situation. Make sure you're documenting your job search efforts at the current wage levels in your area.

wait this is confusing... if minimum wage went up wouldn't that be GOOD for getting unemployment? like you'd get more money? or does it work differently

I had a similar situation two years ago when my restaurant couldn't afford the wage increases and had to cut staff. My unemployment claim was approved without issues though. The key is proving you were laid off due to lack of work, not because of performance or misconduct. Your employer should have properly documented this as an economic layoff. Did they provide you with any paperwork when they let you go?

This is exactly why minimum wage increases hurt workers!!! Companies can't afford to pay more so they fire people and then those people get denied unemployment too. The whole system is broken. I've been fighting NYS Department of Labor for months over different issues and they just don't care about regular people trying to survive.

I've been helping people with unemployment appeals for years and this denial doesn't make sense based on what you've described. When you file your appeal, emphasize these points: 1) You were laid off due to lack of work/economic reasons 2) You are able, available and actively seeking work 3) You're willing to accept suitable employment at prevailing wage rates. The minimum wage increase is irrelevant to your eligibility. If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor by phone to discuss this, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get through to unemployment agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to speak with someone directly about your appeal.

same thing happened to my brother last year, he appealed and won but it took forever. just keep trying to call them every day until someone explains what happened with your claim