NYS Department of Labor transitional unemployment benefits while between jobs - am I eligible?
I just left my marketing coordinator position last Friday because I got a better offer that starts in 6 weeks. The gap is longer than I expected and I'm wondering if I can file for unemployment benefits during this transition period? I know there are different types of unemployment but I'm not sure which applies when you're temporarily between jobs by choice. Has anyone dealt with this situation with NYS Department of Labor? I don't want to file incorrectly and cause problems later.
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Sophia Carter
You're describing transitional unemployment, but unfortunately if you voluntarily left your job you won't qualify for regular UI benefits. NYS Department of Labor requires you to be unemployed through no fault of your own. Since you chose to leave for another job, that's considered voluntary separation even if you have a start date lined up.
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Aaron Boston
•That's what I was afraid of. So even though it's temporary and I have another job starting, the fact that I voluntarily left disqualifies me completely?
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Chloe Zhang
wait i thought there was some exception for this?? i remember reading something about good cause or whatever when you leave for another job
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Brandon Parker
There are very limited exceptions for voluntary separation with good cause, but leaving for a better job opportunity generally doesn't qualify. The good cause provisions are typically for situations like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties. Your best bet might be to see if your new employer can move up your start date or if your previous employer would consider bringing you back temporarily.
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Adriana Cohn
•I had a nightmare trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor about this exact question last year. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in like 10 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you need to speak with someone directly about your specific situation.
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Jace Caspullo
honestly the whole system is ridiculous... you pay into unemployment insurance for years and then when you need it for a few weeks they find every excuse to deny you. meanwhile people game the system all the time and get benefits they shouldn't
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Melody Miles
•I feel your frustration but the rules are pretty clear about voluntary separation. It's designed to help people who lose jobs involuntarily, not cover gaps between chosen employment.
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Nathaniel Mikhaylov
Just went through something similar when I switched from my accounting job to a new firm. The 4-week gap killed me financially but I couldn't get unemployment. Had to pick up some freelance work to bridge the gap. Maybe look into temp agencies or gig work for those 6 weeks?
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