What are the four main kinds of unemployment and how do they differ from one another - NYS Department of Labor explanation?
I'm taking an economics class and we're studying unemployment types but I'm confused about how this applies to actual NYS Department of Labor claims. My professor mentioned four main types of unemployment but I can't figure out how they relate to the categories I see when filing my weekly claims. Can someone break down the four main kinds of unemployment and explain how they work with the NYS Department of Labor system? I'm currently on regular UI benefits but wondering if my situation fits into one of these academic categories.
8 comments
Join the conversation
Hazel Garcia
The four main types economists talk about are frictional, structural, cyclical, and seasonal unemployment. Frictional is when you're between jobs voluntarily - like quitting to find something better. Structural happens when your skills don't match available jobs anymore. Cyclical occurs during economic downturns when demand drops. Seasonal is tied to specific times of year. For NYS Department of Labor purposes though, they mainly care whether you're unemployed through no fault of your own, actively seeking work, and able to work.
0 coins
Salim Nasir
•That makes sense! So when I file my weekly claim and they ask if I'm able and available, that covers most of these categories?
0 coins
Laila Fury
tbh the academic stuff doesn't really matter for your actual claim... NYS Department of Labor just wants to know you got laid off or fired without cause and you're looking for work
0 coins
Geoff Richards
Actually understanding these categories can help with your job search strategy. If you're dealing with structural unemployment - like your industry changed - you might need retraining programs. NYS Department of Labor offers some workforce development resources for that. If it's cyclical, you might just need to wait out the economic cycle while maintaining your benefits.
0 coins
Simon White
•This is really helpful! I lost my job when my company automated my position so that sounds like structural unemployment. Are there specific NYS Department of Labor programs for retraining?
0 coins
Hugo Kass
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to ask about retraining programs until I found claimyr.com - they help you get through to actual agents instead of waiting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way easier than trying to call the regular number.
0 coins
Simon White
•Thanks for the tip! I've been trying to call for weeks about training programs but keep getting disconnected.
0 coins
Nasira Ibanez
Just want to add that seasonal unemployment is super common in New York - construction, tourism, agriculture. NYS Department of Labor has specific provisions for seasonal workers but you still have to meet the job search requirements even if you know you'll go back to the same employer next season.
0 coins