NYS Department of Labor denied my unemployment claim - how can unemployment be denied?
I got a letter yesterday saying my unemployment claim was denied and I'm completely shocked. I worked at a warehouse for 8 months before getting laid off due to downsizing. I thought unemployment was automatic if you lose your job through no fault of your own. The denial letter mentions something about 'insufficient work history' but I don't understand how that's possible. I filed within two weeks of losing my job and answered all the questions honestly on my application. Can someone explain how unemployment can be denied? I really need these benefits to pay rent.
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Andrew Pinnock
There are several reasons NYS Department of Labor can deny unemployment claims. The most common include: not meeting the base period earnings requirement (you need to earn at least $2,600 in your highest quarter), being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, or not being able and available for work. Since you mentioned 'insufficient work history,' it sounds like you might not have met the monetary eligibility requirements. You need earnings in at least two quarters of your base period.
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Ella Lewis
•I worked full time for 8 months making $16/hour so I should have enough earnings. What exactly is the base period?
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Brianna Schmidt
The base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. So if you filed in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. If you only worked 8 months, some of that might not fall within your base period depending on when you started working. You can appeal the denial - you have 30 days from the date on the letter.
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Ella Lewis
•Oh no, I started working in May 2024 and got laid off in December. Does that mean I don't qualify?
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Andrew Pinnock
•You might still qualify under the alternate base period which uses the last four completed quarters. Contact NYS Department of Labor to see if they considered that option.
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Alexis Renard
same thing happened to me last year, got denied for not having enough quarters of work even tho i worked almost a full year!! the system is so confusing
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Camila Jordan
•Did you appeal it? I'm dealing with something similar and trying to figure out if it's worth the hassle.
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Tyler Lefleur
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to get clarification on your denial, I had success using a 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 showing how it works. I was stuck trying to call for weeks about my adjudication issue and this got me connected within a day. Might be worth checking out to get answers about your denial reason.
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Ella Lewis
•Thanks, I'll look into that. I've been trying to call all morning with no luck.
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Madeline Blaze
Don't give up! I got denied initially too but won my appeal. Make sure you gather all your pay stubs and employment records. The hearing officer will want to see proof of your work history and earnings. Even if the timeline seems tight, there might be other factors in your favor.
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