NYS Department of Labor claim denied - what is the main cause of unemployment disqualifications?
Just got my determination letter from NYS Department of Labor and they denied my unemployment claim. The letter mentions something about 'separation reason' but doesn't really explain what the main cause of unemployment disqualifications are. I was laid off from my retail job after 2 years because they said business was slow, but apparently that's not enough? I'm so confused about what qualifies you for benefits and what doesn't. Has anyone else dealt with this? What are the most common reasons people get denied unemployment in NY?
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Oliver Weber
The main causes of unemployment benefit disqualifications in NY usually fall into a few categories: voluntary quit without good cause, being fired for misconduct, not being able and available for work, or not meeting the wage requirements. Since you were laid off due to slow business, that should qualify you for benefits. Did you quit any jobs in the base period before this one? Sometimes they look at your entire work history, not just your most recent job.
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Amina Toure
•I did leave a part-time job about 8 months ago because the hours conflicted with my full-time retail job. Could that be why they denied me?
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FireflyDreams
Yeah, if you voluntarily quit any job during your base period without 'good cause' as defined by NYS Department of Labor, that can disqualify you even if your most recent separation was a layoff. Good cause is pretty strict - basically unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job terms. Scheduling conflicts usually don't count unless they were a substantial change from what you were originally hired for.
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Amina Toure
•This is so frustrating! How was I supposed to know that leaving a part-time job 8 months ago would affect my unemployment claim now?
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Natasha Kuznetsova
omg this happened to me too!! i quit a crappy restaurant job like 6 months before getting laid off from my main job and they denied my whole claim. apparently any voluntary quit in your base period can mess you up even if you had good reasons
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Amina Toure
•Did you appeal it? I'm thinking about appealing but not sure if it's worth the hassle.
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Javier Morales
You should definitely appeal this decision. I had to call NYS Department of Labor like 50 times to get through to someone who could explain my denial. If you're having trouble reaching them by phone, I actually used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Cost me way less time and stress than trying to call on my own for weeks.
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FireflyDreams
•Never heard of that service but getting through to NYS Department of Labor by phone is definitely a nightmare. Might be worth checking out if you're stuck.
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Emma Anderson
The unemployment system is just designed to deny as many people as possible. They make the rules so confusing and complicated that regular people can't navigate them. It's not about whether you actually need the benefits or deserve them - it's about protecting the state's money.
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Oliver Weber
•While the system can be frustrating, there are legitimate eligibility requirements. The key is understanding them and appealing when you believe the decision was wrong.
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Malik Thompson
definitely appeal! i won my appeal even though i thought i had no chance. you have 30 days from the determination date so dont wait too long
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