NYS Department of Labor unemployment eligibility - who can file for unemployment benefits after job loss?
Just lost my job yesterday and trying to figure out if I'm eligible to file with NYS Department of Labor. I worked part-time for about 8 months at a retail store before they laid me off due to budget cuts. I'm 19 and this was my first real job. Do I qualify for unemployment benefits? I keep seeing different requirements online and I'm confused about the work history requirements. Also heard something about having to be available for work - does that mean I can't go to college while collecting? Really need help understanding who can actually file for these benefits.
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Emma Wilson
You can definitely file! NYS Department of Labor has specific eligibility requirements: you need sufficient work history (they look at your base period wages), you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and you have to be able and available for work. At 8 months part-time you might meet the wage requirements depending on your earnings. Being in college doesn't automatically disqualify you but you need to be available for suitable work during school hours.
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Javier Torres
•What exactly is the base period? And how much do I need to have earned to qualify?
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QuantumLeap
The base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. You need wages in at least 2 quarters and total wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings. For someone working part-time for 8 months, it really depends on your actual earnings. You should file anyway - let NYS Department of Labor determine eligibility rather than guessing.
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Malik Johnson
•This is confusing math lol. I just filed when I got laid off and they figured it out for me.
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Isabella Santos
Had the same situation last year - part time job, first time filing. The process was actually easier than I expected. Just make sure you have your employer info, social security card, and any pay stubs. NYS Department of Labor will calculate if you meet the wage requirements automatically when you apply online.
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Javier Torres
•Did you have any issues with the college thing? I'm taking classes but only in the evenings.
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Isabella Santos
•As long as you're available for work during normal business hours you should be fine. Evening classes shouldn't be a problem.
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Ravi Sharma
I was having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to get my eligibility questions answered - kept getting busy signals and long hold times. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped me get my questions answered about my specific situation instead of guessing.
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Freya Larsen
•How much does that cost? Seems like you should be able to reach them for free.
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Ravi Sharma
•Worth it when you can't get through any other way and need answers about your claim. The NYS Department of Labor phone system is just overwhelmed most of the time.
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Omar Hassan
Don't let them intimidate you with all the requirements! I've been through this system multiple times and they make it sound way more complicated than it is. File your claim and let them sort out the details. Worst case they say no and you're in the same position you're in now.
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Javier Torres
•That's actually really reassuring. I was worried about filing if I wasn't sure I qualified.
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