NYS Department of Labor involuntary unemployment definition - need help understanding my eligibility
I'm trying to figure out if my situation qualifies as involuntary unemployment for NYS Department of Labor benefits. I was let go from my retail job last month when they said they had to cut staff due to slow sales. My manager said it wasn't performance related at all, just business needs. I've been reading about voluntary vs involuntary unemployment but I'm getting confused about what exactly defines involuntary unemployment. Does anyone know the specific criteria NYS Department of Labor uses? I want to make sure I'm filing correctly because I really need these benefits right now.
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Sarah Ali
Involuntary unemployment basically means you lost your job through no fault of your own. Since you were laid off due to business reasons and not fired for misconduct, that definitely sounds like involuntary unemployment. NYS Department of Labor will look at the reason for separation on your claim to determine eligibility.
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Megan D'Acosta
•Thanks that makes me feel better! I was worried because I wasn't sure if layoffs counted the same as other types of job loss.
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Ryan Vasquez
You should be fine as long as your employer reports the separation correctly. Involuntary unemployment covers layoffs, downsizing, plant closures, and being fired for reasons other than misconduct. The key is that you didn't choose to leave or do something that caused your termination.
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Avery Saint
same thing happened to me!! got laid off from my restaurant job and was so confused about all the terminology but as long as its not your fault you should qualify
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Megan D'Acosta
•Did you have any problems with your claim? I'm worried NYS Department of Labor might question it somehow.
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Taylor Chen
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to verify your eligibility status, I had good luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to actual agents when the phone lines are jammed. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me get answers about my own involuntary unemployment situation.
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Keith Davidson
•Interesting, I've been trying to call for days with no luck. Might have to check that out.
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Ezra Bates
The whole system is so confusing with all these terms... voluntary, involuntary, misconduct, good cause. Why can't they just make it simple?? At least you got a clear reason from your employer which should help with your claim.
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