What can stop you from getting unemployment benefits in New York?
I'm trying to understand all the reasons why someone might get denied for unemployment in NY. My cousin got turned down and she won't tell me why, but I'm worried the same thing might happen to me if I lose my job. I know you have to be laid off and not fired for cause, but what else can disqualify you? Are there income limits or work history requirements I should know about? Just want to make sure I understand what could stop me from getting benefits.
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Connor Murphy
There are several common reasons NYS Department of Labor denies claims. The main ones are: 1) Being fired for misconduct (like attendance issues, policy violations), 2) Quitting without good cause, 3) Not meeting the base period earnings requirement (you need sufficient wages in your base period), 4) Not being able and available for work, 5) Refusing suitable work offers, 6) Not actively searching for work. There's also issues with being self-employed or working under the table that can cause problems.
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QuantumQuest
•What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? And how much do you need to earn in the base period?
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Yara Haddad
Don't forget about the weekly job search requirements! You have to document 3 work search activities per week and keep records. If you can't prove you're looking for work, they'll cut off your benefits. Also if you're not available for full-time work or have restrictions that limit your availability, that can disqualify you too.
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Keisha Robinson
•Wait, I thought it was only 2 job search activities per week?
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Yara Haddad
•Nope, it's 3 activities per week in NY. You can check the NYS Department of Labor website to confirm.
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Paolo Conti
Immigration status can also be an issue. You have to be authorized to work in the US. And if you move out of state, there can be complications with your claim that might cause delays or denials.
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Amina Sow
I had a friend who got denied because she was going to school full-time and they said she wasn't available for work. Apparently if you're in school it can affect your eligibility unless you can prove you're still able to work around your class schedule. The NYS Department of Labor is really strict about the 'able and available' requirement.
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Connor Murphy
•That's correct. Being a full-time student can create issues unless you can demonstrate you're available for work during normal business hours. Part-time evening classes are usually okay, but full-time day programs often cause problems.
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Keisha Robinson
Also if you're getting severance pay or pension payments, that might affect your benefits. And working while claiming - even just a few hours - you have to report it or they'll hit you with an overpayment.
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GalaxyGazer
The system is so confusing though! I've been trying to get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks to ask about my specific situation but the phones are always busy. Does anyone know a better way to reach them? I'm worried I'm going to mess something up and get disqualified.
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Yara Haddad
•I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents when the phone lines are jammed. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI) and it actually works - got connected within an hour instead of calling for days. Saved me a lot of stress trying to get my questions answered.
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GalaxyGazer
•Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?
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Yara Haddad
•It's basically a service that handles the calling for you and gets you connected to an actual person at NYS Department of Labor. Way better than sitting on hold forever or getting disconnected.
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