NYS Department of Labor - how long do i have to work a job to get unemployment benefits?
Hey everyone, I'm confused about the work requirements for unemployment in NY. I've been working at this retail job for about 4 months now but I might get laid off soon due to store restructuring. How long do you have to work somewhere before you can collect unemployment? Is there a minimum time period? I'm worried I haven't been there long enough. Also does it matter if I worked other jobs before this one? Thanks for any help!
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Maya Patel
The NYS Department of Labor doesn't require a specific length of time at one job. What matters is your total earnings during your base period, which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. You need to have earned at least $2,600 in your base period and worked in at least 2 quarters. Your previous jobs definitely count toward this requirement.
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Isabella Brown
•Oh that's a relief! I worked at a restaurant for about 8 months before this retail job, so I should have enough quarters covered. Thanks for explaining that!
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Aiden Rodríguez
yeah i was worried about the same thing when i got fired after 3 months but turns out all your jobs count together, not just the current one
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Emma Garcia
Just make sure you weren't fired for misconduct or you quit without good cause. The NYS Department of Labor is really strict about that. If you're being laid off due to restructuring that should be fine though. Keep any documentation about the layoff just in case.
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Isabella Brown
•Good point about keeping documentation. My manager said they'll provide a letter explaining it's due to restructuring, not performance issues.
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Ava Kim
ugh the whole system is so confusing! I've been trying to figure out if I qualify too and the NYS Department of Labor website is impossible to navigate. Been trying to call them for weeks but can never get through.
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Ethan Anderson
•I had the same problem with reaching them by phone until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents - you can check it out at claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.
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Layla Mendes
Just wanted to add that when I got laid off from my warehouse job after only 6 weeks, I was still eligible because I had worked construction the year before. The NYS Department of Labor looks at your whole work history during the base period, not just your most recent job. Don't stress too much about the 4 months - you should be fine especially with your restaurant experience.
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