NYS Department of Labor factors that cause unemployment - understanding eligibility requirements

The NYS Department of Labor recognizes several qualifying factors that cause unemployment. Most common are layoffs due to lack of work, company closures, downsizing, or elimination of your position. You're also eligible if you're fired for reasons other than misconduct (like poor performance that wasn't willful). Seasonal work ending, temporary job completion, and some health-related separations also qualify. Your manufacturing layoff should definitely qualify.

Be careful though - factors that cause unemployment that DON'T qualify include quitting without good cause, being fired for misconduct, or refusing suitable work. If you quit, you need to prove it was for good cause like unsafe working conditions, significant pay cuts, or harassment. The NYS Department of Labor will investigate your separation reason during adjudication.

I've been through this process twice - once for layoff and once for medical reasons. The key is being honest about the factors that cause unemployment in your situation. NYS Department of Labor will contact your employer to verify your story, so don't embellish. For medical separations, you might need doctor documentation. The whole system is designed to help people who lost work through no fault of their own.

ugh the whole thing is so confusing!! I got fired from my retail job and idk if it was misconduct or just because I was late a few times. will they deny my claim??? im so stressed about this

I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor when my claim went into adjudication over separation reasons. Kept getting busy signals for weeks. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that gets you through to actual agents. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to explain the factors that caused my unemployment situation.

Just remember that even if the initial factors that cause unemployment seem straightforward, NYS Department of Labor might still put your claim in adjudication for review. Don't panic if this happens - it's normal for many claims, especially if there's any question about the separation circumstances.

Thanks everyone for the helpful info! As someone new to this whole unemployment process, it's really reassuring to hear that layoffs due to downsizing are clearly qualifying factors that cause unemployment. I'm in a similar situation - lost my job when my company had to cut costs. Reading through these responses, it sounds like the key is being honest and having documentation ready. @Chloe Taylor, for proving your layoff was due to downsizing, you'll probably want to keep any emails or notices from your employer about the restructuring, and your final paycheck stub should show the separation reason too. The NYS Department of Labor will verify with your former employer anyway, so just stick to the facts!