Quitting job due to no childcare in 2025 - can I get NY unemployment benefits?

they usually deny anyone who quits first time around. you'll probably need to appeal.

Under New York unemployment law, quitting for childcare reasons can actually be considered good cause if you had no reasonable alternatives. The key factors they look at are: 1. Did you try to find alternative childcare arrangements? 2. Did you discuss options with your employer like flexible scheduling or remote work? 3. Was the school closing truly unexpected and beyond your control? Make sure all of this information was clearly explained in your questionnaire. After submitting, decisions typically take 2-3 weeks, but the system is experiencing delays in 2025, so it might be longer. Don't get discouraged if your initial claim is denied - about 60% of childcare-related quits need to go through appeal, where they have a much higher success rate.

I had almost the exact same situation last year! Got denied first time, then filed an appeal and finally got approved. The key was proving I had no reasonable alternatives. Good luck!!

took about 5 wks from filing appeal to decision. not quick but worth it.

I went through this EXACT situation and got denied initially even though I explained EVERYTHING about my childcare situation!!!! The system is rigged against parents I swear. What worked for me was I called and called and CALLED until I finally got through to someone who actually understood my situation and helped me navigate the appeal. But it took DAYS of calling and getting disconnected or waiting for hours!!!!

For documentation, I had to provide: 1) email exchanges with my employer about scheduling flexibility, 2) quotes/waitlist confirmation from childcare providers showing unavailability or prohibitive cost, and 3) the school closure notice. The more evidence you have that you exhausted all reasonable options, the better your chances on appeal.

my sister works for nysdol and says childcare cases are getting reviewed faster now in 2025 cuz they changed the process. maybe you'll get lucky and get approved first try.

In my experience, decision timeline varies widely. After submitting my questionnaire last month, I received a determination in just 8 days. However, my neighbor submitted hers around the same time and is still waiting. There seems to be little consistency in processing times. Make sure to continue certifying weekly even while waiting for a decision.

Omg I'm getting so ANGRY just reading this thread because it brings back all the frustration I went through!!! The questionnaire is DESIGNED to trip you up! Make sure you emphasize that you had NO REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES and that you would have continued working if childcare was available!!! Their whole system is built to find reasons to deny you!!!

One more thing to consider: the questionnaire responses are crucial. If you've already submitted it, you may want to follow up by uploading additional documentation to your claim file through your online account. Include anything that proves: 1. The school closure notification 2. Emails/communications with potential childcare providers showing unavailability 3. Cost estimates that show childcare would have been financially unfeasible 4. Any communication with your employer about your situation before quitting Being proactive with documentation often helps avoid the initial denial that many experience. And as others mentioned, absolutely continue certifying weekly while you wait.

just wondering... did u try asking family for help with kids before quitting? they sometimes ask about that.

my friend quit bcuz of childcare and got approved right away but that was bcuz her kid has special needs so maybe different rules?

Based on your situation as described, you have a legitimate case for unemployment benefits under the "good cause" provision. The key is demonstrating that you exhausted all reasonable alternatives before quitting. From what you've shared about attempting to find childcare, discussing options with your employer, and lacking family support options, you've covered the major bases. A final tip: after uploading your documentation, if you don't hear back within 3 weeks, try contacting your state representative's office. They often have liaisons who can inquire about stalled unemployment claims. This frequently results in faster processing.