What are valid reasons for unemployment benefits approval in NY?
I'm trying to understand what qualifies someone for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor. My job ended last month and I'm not sure if my situation counts as a valid reason. I was let go because my company said they were restructuring my department, but I'm worried they might contest my claim. What are the main reasons for unemployment benefits that NYS Department of Labor actually approves? I don't want to file if I'm just going to get denied and waste everyone's time.
10 comments
Join the conversation
Aaliyah Jackson
The main qualifying reasons for unemployment benefits in NY include: laid off due to lack of work, company downsizing/restructuring, plant closure, seasonal work ending, or being fired for reasons other than misconduct. Your situation with department restructuring definitely sounds like a valid reason. NYS Department of Labor looks at whether you lost your job through no fault of your own.
0 coins
Giovanni Rossi
•Thanks! That's reassuring. They specifically said it was due to restructuring and eliminating positions, so hopefully that's clear enough for NYS Department of Labor.
0 coins
KylieRose
You should definitely file! Even if your employer contests it, you can appeal. I got laid off from a similar restructuring situation last year and had no problems getting approved. The key is that it wasn't for performance issues or misconduct. Make sure you have any documentation about the restructuring when you file your claim.
0 coins
Miguel Hernández
•same here, got approved right away when my whole department got eliminated. just make sure to mention the restructuring specifically in your application
0 coins
Sasha Ivanov
Wait I'm confused about this too... what if you quit because your hours got cut way down? Does that count as a valid reason for unemployment benefits or do you have to actually get fired?
0 coins
Aaliyah Jackson
•If your hours were reduced significantly (usually more than 25%), that can qualify as 'constructive discharge' and you may be eligible. You'd need to show that the hour reduction made continued employment unreasonable. It's more complicated than a layoff but definitely possible.
0 coins
Liam Murphy
The NYS Department of Labor phone system is impossible to get through to ask these questions directly. I spent weeks trying to reach someone about my specific situation. Finally used this service called claimyr.com that actually got me connected to an agent who could explain my eligibility. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Was way easier than trying to navigate the phone maze myself.
0 coins
Amara Okafor
•Did that actually work? I've been calling for days with no luck. Getting so frustrated with the busy signals and disconnections.
0 coins
Liam Murphy
•Yeah it worked great for me. They handle the calling and waiting, then connect you when an agent is available. Saved me so much time and stress.
0 coins
CaptainAwesome
Just to add - even medical reasons can qualify in some cases. If you had to quit due to illness or caring for a family member, there are provisions for that too. The key is documenting everything properly when you file with NYS Department of Labor.
0 coins