NYS Department of Labor employment length requirement - how long do you have to be employed to get unemployment?
I just started a new job about 6 weeks ago but I'm worried they might let me go soon because business is slow. I've never filed for unemployment before and I'm wondering what the minimum employment time is to qualify for benefits through NYS Department of Labor? Do I need to work a full year or is there a shorter requirement? I worked at my previous job for 2 years but left voluntarily to take this position. Would that previous employment count toward qualifying?
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Dylan Campbell
You don't need to work a full year at one job. NYS Department of Labor looks at your base period which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. You need to have earned at least $2,700 in wages during your base period AND worked in at least two quarters. Your previous 2-year job would definitely count toward this requirement.
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NeonNova
•That's a relief! So even if I lose this current job after only 6 weeks, my previous employment history would still make me eligible?
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Sofia Hernandez
yeah but if you quit your last job voluntarily that might be an issue... they look at your most recent separation from work and if you quit without good cause you could be disqualified
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Dylan Campbell
•Actually, if they're let go from their current job involuntarily, that becomes their most recent separation. The voluntary quit from the previous job wouldn't be the disqualifying factor as long as they meet the wage requirements from their base period earnings.
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
The wage requirement is key here. You need sufficient wages in your base period, not just time worked. For 2025, it's $2,700 minimum but you also need wages in at least two different quarters. If you worked 2 years at your previous job, you almost certainly meet this unless you were making very little money.
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Ava Thompson
•What if someone worked part-time for those 2 years? Would that still count toward the wage requirement?
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Miguel Ramos
I had a similar situation last year - worked somewhere for 3 months, got laid off, and was worried I wouldn't qualify. But my previous job history covered the wage requirements. The hardest part was actually getting through to NYS Department of Labor to file my claim. Their phone system is impossible! I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video showing how it works (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI) and it was so much easier than trying to call myself.
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NeonNova
•Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind if I end up needing to file. Hopefully this job works out but good to know there are options.
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Zainab Ibrahim
Don't stress too much about the employment length thing. Like others said, it's about your total earnings over the base period quarters, not how long you stayed at one specific job. The system is designed to help people who lose work through no fault of their own.
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Ethan Davis
Just to add some clarity - the base period calculation can be confusing but it's actually pretty straightforward once you understand it. Since you worked for 2 years at your previous job, you definitely have wages in multiple quarters which is what matters most. The NYS DOL will look at your highest quarter earnings to determine your weekly benefit amount too. Even if your current job doesn't work out after 6 weeks, those 6 weeks of wages will just be additional earnings on top of your already qualifying base period. Don't let the fear of not qualifying stop you from filing if you do get laid off - worst case they say no, but based on what you've described you should be fine.
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Giovanni Ricci
•This is really helpful - I was getting confused about the base period calculation but you explained it clearly. It sounds like my situation should be okay then since I have that solid work history from my previous job. I'm hoping things work out at my current position but it's reassuring to know I'd have options if not. Thanks for breaking it down!
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