Schedule cut from 5 to 3 days - can I get partial unemployment in NY if working 24 hours and earning under $504 weekly?

My employer just cut my schedule from 5 days to 3 days a week. Anyone know if I can get partial unemployment in New York? Also confused about the $504 rule - is that based on what I make during the reduced hours or what I made when working full time? I found this info on the NYS DOL website about partial claims, and I'm trying to understand how it applies to me: "If you lost work and you are working part time 30 hours or fewer a week and making $504 or less per week, the following guidelines apply when reporting your part-time work (round up to the nearest hour), effective August 16, 2021 and forward: 10 or fewer hours of work = 0 days worked: No reduction in weekly benefit rate 11 - 16 hours of work = 1 day worked: 75% of weekly benefit rate 17 - 21 hours of work = 2 days worked: 50% of weekly benefit rate 22 - 30 hours of work = 3 days worked: 25% of weekly benefit rate 31+ hours of work = 4 days worked: 0% of weekly benefit rate" I'm now working 3 days a week, about 24 hours total, which according to this chart would count as "3 days worked" and I'd get 25% of the weekly benefit rate. But I'm still confused about the $504 maximum - does that mean if I make more than $504 in my reduced schedule, I don't qualify at all? Or is that $504 a maximum benefit amount? With my reduced hours, I'm making less than before but still more than minimum wage. Would I still qualify for the partial unemployment? Has anyone gone through this process with NYS?

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17 comments

Nia Jackson

•5M

Just went through this exact situation! You're right that with 24 hours you'd get 25% of your weekly benefit rate. The $504 rule applies to what you earn during your reduced work week - so if you're making less than $504 gross per week at your current 3-day schedule, you should qualify. I'd recommend applying ASAP and certifying every week even while you're figuring it out. The system takes forever to process so better to get in the queue early. Also keep detailed records of your hours and pay stubs - they'll ask for everything when you file.

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