NYS Department of Labor unemployment eligibility after quitting job - any exceptions?

Generally, you can't get unemployment if you quit voluntarily, but NYS Department of Labor does recognize 'good cause' exceptions. Hostile work environment can qualify, but you need solid documentation. Start keeping records of schedule changes, any written communications with management, and witness statements if possible. You'll need to prove the conditions were so bad that a reasonable person would have quit.

i quit my last job and tried to get benefits but they denied me. took forever to get through the adjudication process just to get told no. unless you have really good reasons with proof i wouldn't count on it

There are actually some limited circumstances where you can quit and still get unemployment in NY. NYS Department of Labor recognizes 'good cause' reasons including workplace harassment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties or pay, or certain personal reasons like domestic violence. You'd need to document everything thoroughly and be prepared to explain your situation during the adjudication process.

i quit my last job and got denied immediately, they said voluntary separation = no benefits. had to appeal and it took forever

Before you quit, try to document everything and consider filing complaints with your company's corporate office or even the Department of Labor for wage and hour violations if the schedule changes are affecting your pay. If you can show you tried to resolve the issue through proper channels first, it strengthens your case for good cause. Also, look into constructive discharge - if they're making conditions so bad you're forced to quit, that's different than voluntary resignation.

The key is proving 'good cause attributable to the employer' to NYS Department of Labor. This could include constructive dismissal situations where they make your job impossible to continue. Document everything - emails, texts, witnesses, dates and times of incidents. You'll likely face an adjudication period where they investigate your claim. Also consider filing complaints with appropriate agencies (OSHA for safety, EEOC for harassment) as this strengthens your case.

I had a similar situation last year where I couldn't get through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about my options before quitting. The phone lines are always busy and their online chat never worked for me. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach an agent who could explain the good cause requirements. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me understand what documentation I needed before making any decisions.

OMG this is exactly what I'm going through! My manager has been making my life hell and I'm so stressed I can barely function. Did you try talking to HR first? I'm scared if I quit I won't be able to pay my bills while waiting for unemployment to maybe get approved.

Look into harassment or discrimination angles too. If the schedule changes are targeting you specifically or if there's any protected class issues involved, document that. NYS Department of Labor takes those cases more seriously. But honestly the system is set up to deny quit cases so have a backup plan.

good luck but don't hold your breath, they reject most voluntary quit claims even with documentation

I was in a similar situation last year and couldn't get through to NYS Department of Labor for weeks to even ask about my options. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach a real person at the unemployment office. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Was super helpful to get direct answers about whether my situation qualified as good cause before I made any decisions.

Just want to say be really careful about this decision. Even if you think you have good cause, NYS Department of Labor can be unpredictable about approvals. Maybe try taking FMLA leave first if your situation qualifies? That might buy you time to figure out other options.

I've been through this exact situation and want to share what I learned. NYS Department of Labor does have "good cause" exceptions, but the bar is pretty high. For hostile work environment, you need more than just feeling uncomfortable - you need documented harassment, safety violations, or significant changes to your job terms. I'd recommend keeping a detailed log with dates, times, witnesses, and any written evidence (emails, texts, policy changes). Also consider if there are any protected class issues involved (discrimination based on race, gender, etc.) as those strengthen your case. Before quitting, try to exhaust internal remedies first - file complaints with HR, document their responses (or lack thereof), and consider reaching out to relevant agencies like OSHA or EEOC. This shows you made good faith efforts to resolve the situation. The appeals process can take months, so make sure you have a financial backup plan. Good luck!