What can qualify you for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?
I'm trying to figure out if I'm eligible for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor and honestly the website is confusing me. I've been working part-time for the past 8 months at a retail job but they just cut my hours from 25 hours to 8 hours per week. Before that I had a full-time job for about a year that I left because my boss was making the workplace hostile. I've also done some freelance graphic design work here and there. Does any of this qualify me for UI benefits? I'm really stressed about making rent next month and need to know if I should even bother applying.
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Jamal Anderson
You might qualify for partial unemployment benefits since your hours got reduced! NYS Department of Labor allows claims when your work hours are significantly cut through no fault of your own. The fact that you left your previous full-time job voluntarily could complicate things though - they'll look at your reason for leaving during adjudication. Hostile work environment can be good cause for leaving if you have documentation. For the freelance work, you'll need to report that income on your weekly claims. I'd definitely apply and let them determine your eligibility.
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QuantumQuest
•Thanks! I do have some emails from my old boss that were pretty inappropriate. Should I gather those before I apply or can I submit them later if they ask?
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Mei Zhang
Basic eligibility for NYS Department of Labor unemployment requires: 1) You worked and earned wages in at least 2 quarters of your base period, 2) You're unemployed or working reduced hours through no fault of your own, 3) You're actively seeking work, 4) You're able and available to work. Your hour reduction definitely counts. The tricky part is the voluntary quit from your previous job - but hostile work environment can qualify as good cause if you can prove it. Apply online at my.ny.gov and be completely honest about why you left each job.
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Liam McGuire
•this is exactly right! I had a similar situation last year where I quit due to harassment and got approved after adjudication
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Amara Eze
Wait I'm confused about the freelance work part. Do you have to report that even if it's just occasional projects? I thought unemployment was only for people who are completely out of work. Can you really get benefits while still doing some freelance stuff?
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Jamal Anderson
•Yes you have to report ALL income including freelance work on your weekly claims. NYS Department of Labor allows you to work part-time and still collect partial benefits as long as you report the earnings honestly. They'll reduce your benefit amount based on what you earn that week.
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Giovanni Ricci
Ugh dealing with NYS Department of Labor phone lines is going to be a nightmare if you need to talk to someone about your case. I've been trying to get through for weeks about my adjudication status. The automated system just hangs up on you after an hour wait. But I recently found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to a real 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 - finally got my questions answered about my job separation issue.
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QuantumQuest
•Oh wow that sounds helpful! I was dreading having to call if my application gets stuck in adjudication. How does it work exactly?
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NeonNomad
•Honestly anything is better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected. The NYS Department of Labor phone system is absolutely broken.
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Fatima Al-Hashemi
Just apply! worst case they deny you and you appeal. I quit my job due to unsafe working conditions and got approved after providing documentation during the adjudication process. Your hour reduction alone should qualify you for partial benefits even if they question the voluntary quit.
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