What can you file unemployment for with NYS Department of Labor - need help understanding eligibility
I'm really confused about what situations actually qualify for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor. I got laid off last month but my friend says there's other reasons you can file too? Like if you quit or get fired? I don't want to mess up my application by filing for the wrong reason. Can someone explain what circumstances actually let you file for UI benefits in New York? I've been looking at the my.ny.gov website but it's not super clear about all the different scenarios.
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Mei Wong
You can file for unemployment in several situations: 1) Laid off due to lack of work, 2) Terminated for reasons other than misconduct, 3) Quit for good cause (like unsafe working conditions or harassment), 4) Reduced hours/partial unemployment, 5) Temporary layoffs, 6) Plant closures. The key is that you have to be unemployed through no fault of your own. Being fired for misconduct or quitting without good cause usually disqualifies you.
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GalaxyGlider
•Thanks! What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My old job had some issues but I'm not sure if they'd qualify.
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Liam Sullivan
i filed when i got my hours cut from 40 to 15 per week, you can do partial unemployment if your hours get reduced significantly
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Amara Okafor
Good cause for quitting includes things like: documented harassment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties or pay, domestic violence situations, or if your employer violated labor laws. You need documentation though - NYS Department of Labor will investigate. If you're having trouble reaching them about your specific situation, I used claimyr.com recently and it actually got me through to an agent who explained my options. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works.
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GalaxyGlider
•That's really helpful about the documentation part. I think I might have a case but want to make sure before I file.
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Giovanni Colombo
Don't forget you can also file if you're on temporary layoff or standby status! A lot of people don't realize that. Even if your employer says they'll call you back when business picks up, you can still collect benefits while you're waiting.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
Wait I'm confused - if you quit can you still get unemployment? I thought you had to be fired or laid off??
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Mei Wong
•You can get benefits if you quit for 'good cause' but it's harder to prove than being laid off. NYS Department of Labor will review your case and may require a hearing to determine if your reason for quitting qualifies.
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StarStrider
The whole system is confusing honestly. I got denied the first time because I didn't understand how to explain my situation properly. Had to appeal and it took months to get straightened out. Make sure you read everything carefully when you file.
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