Should you apply for unemployment - NYS Department of Labor eligibility questions
I'm really confused about whether I should even bother applying for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor. I got laid off from my retail job last month but I'm not sure if I qualify. I worked there for about 8 months, and before that I had a part-time job for like 6 months. My friend says I probably don't have enough work history but my mom thinks I should try anyway. The whole process seems really complicated and I don't want to waste time if I'm not eligible. Has anyone been in a similar situation? What are the basic requirements to even qualify for UI benefits in New York?
8 comments
Join the conversation
Aisha Khan
You should definitely apply! The worst they can say is no. For NYS Department of Labor eligibility, you generally need to have worked and earned wages in at least 2 quarters during your base period, which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. With 14 months of work history, you might qualify. You also need to be unemployed through no fault of your own, be able and available to work, and actively search for employment.
0 coins
CosmicCruiser
•Thanks! What exactly counts as the base period? I'm still confused about how they calculate that.
0 coins
Ethan Taylor
I was in almost the exact same situation last year. Had about 10 months of work history when I got laid off and was convinced I wouldn't qualify. Turns out I did! The NYS Department of Labor looks at your earnings during specific quarters, not just how long you worked. If you earned enough in those quarters, you're good to go. The application is free and pretty straightforward online.
0 coins
Yuki Ito
•wait how much do you need to earn? i worked part time for like a year but didnt make much money
0 coins
Carmen Lopez
Here's the thing - if you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask these questions, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I was able to get my eligibility questions answered without waiting on hold for hours. Really helpful when you just need someone to explain the requirements clearly.
0 coins
CosmicCruiser
•That sounds useful! I hate trying to call government offices, always get stuck on hold forever.
0 coins
Andre Dupont
honestly just apply. i thought i wouldnt qualify either but i did and got like $280 a week for 6 months. saved my butt while job hunting. the application asks all the right questions and theyll tell you if you qualify or not. no harm in trying
0 coins
QuantumQuasar
Just remember you'll need to do the weekly claims every week and prove you're looking for work. It's not just free money - there are requirements you have to meet to keep getting benefits. But yeah, definitely worth applying if you think you might qualify.
0 coins