NYS Department of Labor denied my claim - what options do I have if I don't qualify for unemployment?
Just got the determination letter from NYS Department of Labor saying I don't qualify for unemployment benefits. I was working part-time for 8 months at a retail job but apparently didn't earn enough in my base period. The letter mentions something about needing $2,600 in wages but I only made about $1,800 total. I'm completely lost on what to do next since I was counting on unemployment to help with rent and bills. Are there any other programs or appeals I can file? Has anyone been in this situation before?
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Benjamin Johnson
You might want to check if you qualify for the alternate base period calculation. Sometimes NYS Department of Labor will use your most recent quarters instead of the standard base period. You can request this when you appeal the determination. Also look into SNAP benefits and emergency rental assistance programs - they don't require the same work history as unemployment.
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Victoria Scott
•How do I request the alternate base period? Do I need to file a formal appeal or just call them?
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Zara Perez
I had this exact problem last year! The wage requirement is brutal when you're part-time. I ended up getting approved after appealing because they counted wages from a job I had forgotten to mention on my original application. Double check that you listed ALL your employers from the past 18 months, even short-term ones.
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Victoria Scott
•Oh wow I did forget about a small catering gig I had for like 3 weeks. That might put me over the threshold. Thanks!
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Daniel Rogers
•Yeah definitely include everything! Even if it was cash under the table, if they reported it to NYS Department of Labor it counts toward your base period wages.
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Aaliyah Reed
If you're still struggling to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor about your appeal options, I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped when I was stuck in phone hell trying to get answers about my disqualification.
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Ella Russell
•Is that legit? I'm so desperate to talk to someone real at this point, I've been calling for days.
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Aaliyah Reed
•Yeah it worked for me. Way better than spending hours on hold just to get disconnected.
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Mohammed Khan
the system is rigged against part time workers!!! they make it impossible to qualify then wonder why people cant pay bills. meanwhile full time people get benefits handed to them
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Gavin King
•I feel your frustration but there are good reasons for the wage requirements. It ensures the system has enough funding from employer taxes.
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Daniel Rogers
Also check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local assistance programs. They can connect you with food banks, utility assistance, and sometimes emergency cash help while you figure out the unemployment situation.
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