NYS Department of Labor denied my unemployment claim - what are the main reasons they deny benefits?
Just got a determination letter saying my unemployment claim was denied but the reason isn't totally clear to me. The letter mentions something about 'voluntary separation' but I feel like I was basically forced to quit due to unsafe working conditions at my warehouse job. This is my first time applying for unemployment so I'm not sure what the common reasons are for denial. Can someone explain what are the main reasons NYS Department of Labor denies unemployment claims? I want to understand if I have grounds for an appeal or if this is just how it works.
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Mateo Lopez
The main reasons NYS Department of Labor denies unemployment claims are: 1) You quit voluntarily without good cause, 2) You were fired for misconduct, 3) You refused suitable work, 4) You didn't meet the wage/work requirements, or 5) You're not able and available for work. For unsafe working conditions, you might have a case for 'good cause' to quit - that's definitely appealable. You have 30 days from the determination date to file an appeal.
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CyberNinja
•Thank you! The unsafe conditions were definitely documented - I filed complaints with management multiple times before quitting. How do I prove 'good cause' in an appeal?
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Aisha Abdullah
been through this before, misconduct is really hard to fight but if you quit for safety reasons thats different. did you try to get them to fix the safety issues first? thats usually what they look for
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CyberNinja
•Yes I documented everything and gave them multiple chances to address the safety violations before I finally quit.
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Ethan Davis
I had trouble reaching anyone at NYS Department of Labor when I needed to discuss my denial. If you can't get through on the phone, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually talk to an agent about my case. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped me understand exactly why my claim was denied and what documentation I needed for my appeal.
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Yuki Tanaka
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash since losing my job.
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Ethan Davis
•They focus on just getting you connected to speak with the right person at NYS Department of Labor rather than the cost. Worth checking out their site for details.
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Carmen Ortiz
The whole system is rigged anyway!! They deny everyone first hoping you just give up. I got denied initially too even though I was clearly laid off due to company downsizing. Had to appeal and fight for months before finally getting approved. Document EVERYTHING for your appeal!
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MidnightRider
•So frustrating but you're right about documenting everything. The burden of proof is definitely on us.
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Andre Laurent
For unsafe working conditions, you'll need evidence like: written complaints you filed, photos of hazards, witness statements from coworkers, any responses from management, documentation that you tried internal remedies first. The key is showing you had no reasonable alternative but to quit. NYS Department of Labor considers this 'constructive dismissal' if you can prove it.
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CyberNinja
•This is super helpful - I have most of these things. Should I submit everything with the appeal or wait to see what they specifically ask for?
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Andre Laurent
•Submit everything relevant with your initial appeal. Don't wait for them to ask - they might not give you another chance to add documentation.
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