NYS Department of Labor eligibility - when can you claim unemployment benefits?
I'm trying to figure out exactly when someone becomes eligible to file for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor. My employer just told me they're cutting my hours from full-time to maybe 10 hours a week starting next month, and I'm not sure if this qualifies me to apply for UI benefits. Do I have to wait until I'm completely laid off, or can I file now since my income is being drastically reduced? Also wondering about the timing - like if I quit my job to take care of a sick family member, how long do I have to wait before I can apply? Any guidance would be really helpful since I've never dealt with the unemployment system before.
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Daryl Bright
You can definitely file for partial unemployment benefits if your hours are reduced significantly. NYS Department of Labor allows you to claim UI benefits when your work hours or wages are reduced below your normal schedule, even if you're still employed. The key is that you must be working less than 4 days per week or earning less than your weekly benefit amount. For the quitting situation - that's trickier. Generally you can't get benefits if you voluntarily quit unless it's for 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions or domestic violence situations. Family illness might qualify but you'd need documentation.
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Natalie Khan
•That's really helpful! So I should apply as soon as my hours get cut? And what kind of documentation would I need for the family care situation?
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Sienna Gomez
The timing depends on your specific situation. If you're laid off or fired (not for misconduct), you can file immediately. If you quit voluntarily, you typically face a waiting period and may be disqualified unless you meet specific 'good cause' criteria. For reduced hours, file as soon as the reduction takes effect. The NYS Department of Labor will calculate partial benefits based on your remaining wages. Important: always file your weekly claims even during adjudication - if approved, you'll get back pay for eligible weeks.
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Kirsuktow DarkBlade
•This is exactly what happened to me last year. Filed right when my hours got cut and it took about 3 weeks to get approved for partial benefits.
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Abigail bergen
ugh the whole system is so confusing!! i thought you had to be completely unemployed to get anything from NYS Department of Labor but apparently not?? my friend got partial benefits when her restaurant cut everyone to part time during slow season
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Daryl Bright
•Yeah, partial unemployment is definitely a thing! A lot of people don't realize you can get help even if you're still working reduced hours.
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Ahooker-Equator
Here's what I learned after dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months - you need to meet the basic eligibility first: worked enough hours in your base period, lost work through no fault of your own, able and available for work, and actively job searching. The 'when' really depends on WHY you're unemployed. Layoffs = immediate eligibility. Firing for performance = usually eligible after adjudication. Quitting = very limited eligibility unless you can prove good cause. If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to ask about your specific situation, I had success using claimyr.com - they help you get through to actual agents. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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Natalie Khan
•Thanks for the claimyr info! I've been dreading trying to call NYS Department of Labor because I heard the wait times are horrible.
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Anderson Prospero
•Wait, is that service legit? Seems too good to be true if they can actually get you through to someone at NYS Department of Labor.
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Tyrone Hill
just wanted to add my experience - i was able to file immediately when i got laid off but it still took forever for my first payment because of some stupid adjudication thing. the whole process is such a nightmare honestly
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Sienna Gomez
•Adjudication delays are unfortunately common, especially if there are any questions about your separation from work. The key is to keep filing your weekly claims during the process.
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