NYS Department of Labor claim denied due to technological unemployment - need help understanding this
I got laid off from my warehouse job because they installed automated sorting machines that replaced half our crew. When I filed for unemployment, NYS Department of Labor initially approved my claim but then sent me a letter saying I'm disqualified because of 'technological unemployment.' I've never heard this term before and don't understand why automation at my workplace would affect my eligibility. Has anyone dealt with this? I thought any layoff qualified you for benefits as long as it wasn't your fault.
8 comments


Ethan Anderson
Technological unemployment refers to job displacement caused by automation or new technology replacing human workers. However, this shouldn't disqualify you from NYS Department of Labor benefits! If you were laid off through no fault of your own, you should be eligible regardless of whether it was due to automation, downsizing, or company closure. This sounds like an error in your adjudication process.
0 coins
Ava Kim
•That's what I thought too! The letter mentions something about 'structural changes in the economy' but I don't see how that makes it my fault. Should I appeal this decision?
0 coins
Layla Mendes
You absolutely should appeal this. I work in HR and have never seen technological displacement used as grounds for UI disqualification in New York. The key factors for eligibility are whether you were separated through no fault of your own and meet the wage requirements. Appeal within 30 days of the notice date and request a hearing.
0 coins
Lucas Notre-Dame
•same thing happened to my brother when his factory automated their production line last year. he appealed and won because being replaced by machines isn't misconduct
0 coins
Aria Park
I had major issues reaching NYS Department of Labor to get clarification on a weird disqualification like this. Ended up using claimyr.com to get through to an actual agent who could explain what happened with my case. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Turned out there was just confusion in my file that got sorted out once I talked to someone.
0 coins
Noah Ali
•How long did it take to get through with that service? I've been trying to call NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my adjudication status.
0 coins
Chloe Boulanger
This is EXACTLY the kind of bureaucratic nonsense that makes dealing with unemployment so frustrating! They'll find any excuse to deny legitimate claims. Technology displacement should make you MORE eligible for benefits, not less, since you need time to retrain for new skills.
0 coins
James Martinez
•totally agree, the system is broken
0 coins