NYS Department of Labor denied my unemployment claim - what are the reasons unemployment can be denied?

There are several common reasons NYS Department of Labor denies unemployment claims. The main ones are: 1) Insufficient work history or wages in your base period, 2) Being fired for misconduct, 3) Quitting without good cause, 4) Not being able and available to work, 5) Refusing suitable work offers, and 6) Not actively searching for work. Since you were laid off, misconduct shouldn't be an issue. Did you earn enough wages during your base period? You need to have worked in at least 2 quarters and earned a minimum amount.

Check your determination letter carefully - it should have a specific reason code. Common denial reasons include not registering for work search within the required timeframe, issues with your identity verification, or problems with your separation from employment. Sometimes employers contest claims by saying you quit or were fired for cause even when that's not true.

I had success getting through to a NYS Department of Labor agent using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They handle the calling and waiting for you. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of being on hold when I needed to resolve my claim status issue. Might be worth trying if you can't get through the normal way.

Another possibility is that your employer is disputing the claim. They have the right to contest it if they think you weren't actually laid off or if there were performance issues they consider misconduct. You should definitely appeal if you believe the denial is wrong - you have 30 days from the determination date.

ugh this whole system is SO frustrating!! they deny people for the stupidest reasons and then make it impossible to actually talk to anyone to fix it. definitely appeal though - worst case you're in the same position you are now