What are the requirements to file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor?
I'm thinking about filing for unemployment benefits but want to make sure I meet all the requirements before I start the process. I've been working at my current job for about 8 months but my hours got cut dramatically and I'm barely making ends meet. Does anyone know what the basic requirements are to file with NYS Department of Labor? I don't want to waste time if I'm not eligible.
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Daniel Rogers
The main requirements for NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits are: 1) You must have worked and earned wages in NY state during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters), 2) You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, 3) You must be physically able and available for work, 4) You must be actively seeking work. If your hours were cut significantly, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits even while still employed.
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Zara Perez
•Thanks! What counts as 'actively seeking work'? Do I need to apply for a certain number of jobs each week?
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Daniel Rogers
•Yes, you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a detailed log of your job search activities. NYS Department of Labor can request to see this log at any time.
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Aaliyah Reed
just so you know the wage requirements can be tricky - you need to have earned a certain amount during your base period. i think its like $2800 in one quarter OR $3432 total with at least $1800 in one quarter but dont quote me on those exact numbers
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Ella Russell
•Those numbers are close but not quite right. For 2025, you need to have earned at least $3,100 in your highest earning quarter OR earned at least $3,775 total in your base period with at least $1,950 in your highest quarter. Check the NYS Department of Labor website for the most current wage requirements.
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Mohammed Khan
Been through this process twice and honestly the hardest part is just getting through to someone at NYS Department of Labor when you have questions. The phone lines are always jammed and the online system doesn't always give clear answers about your specific situation.
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Gavin King
•I had the same problem trying to reach them! Spent weeks calling with no luck. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me get through to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to get answers about my claim status.
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Mohammed Khan
•Interesting, never heard of that before. Did they actually help you resolve your issue or just get you connected?
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Gavin King
•They got me connected and then the NYS Department of Labor agent was able to explain exactly why my claim was held up in adjudication. Turned out I just needed to submit one more document.
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Nathan Kim
Wait I'm confused about the base period thing. When exactly do they look at your earnings? I started my job in March 2024 so would they look at my 2023 earnings or 2024?? This is so confusing and I really need to know if I qualify before I file.
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Daniel Rogers
•The base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024. Since you started working in March 2024, you'd have earnings from March-December 2024 to count toward your base period wage requirements.
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Eleanor Foster
Also remember you have to register with the job search system and be willing to accept suitable work. They define suitable work based on your skills and experience but after a certain period they can expand what they consider suitable.
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Zara Perez
•Good point! How long before they start considering other types of work suitable?
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