What causes NYS Department of Labor to deny unemployment claims?
I'm trying to understand all the ways you can get denied unemployment benefits by NYS Department of Labor before I file my claim. My last job ended kind of messy and I want to know what I'm walking into. What are the main reasons they reject applications? I've heard about voluntary quit vs fired but don't really understand how they decide.
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Amun-Ra Azra
The main reasons NYS Department of Labor denies claims are: 1) Voluntary quit without good cause 2) Fired for misconduct 3) Not meeting work/wage requirements 4) Not able and available for work 5) Refusing suitable work offers. The key is how you left your last job - if you quit, you need to prove it was for reasons like unsafe conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job terms.
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Harold Oh
•What counts as misconduct though? My supervisor and I had some heated arguments before I left but nothing crazy.
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Summer Green
Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. Just arguing with your boss usually isn't enough unless you were insubordinate, violated clear policies, or did something that harmed the employer. If they fired you for poor performance that's different than misconduct - performance issues usually don't disqualify you from UI benefits.
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Gael Robinson
•This is so confusing! How do they even prove what happened? It's just he said she said most of the time.
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Edward McBride
I got denied last year for 'voluntary quit' even though my boss was making my life hell. Had to appeal and it took forever. NYS Department of Labor really scrutinizes the circumstances around how you left. They'll ask your employer for their side of the story and you better have documentation if you're claiming constructive dismissal or hostile work environment.
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Harold Oh
•Did you win your appeal? What kind of documentation did you need?
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Edward McBride
•Yes but it took 3 months. I had emails showing the harassment and witness statements. Really wish I'd known about Claimyr back then - they help you get through to actual NYS Department of Labor agents when you need to explain your situation. Check out claimyr.com, they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI
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Darcy Moore
Don't forget about the work search requirements! Even if your initial claim gets approved, you can lose benefits later if you don't do enough job searching or turn down work that NYS Department of Labor considers suitable for your skills and experience.
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Dana Doyle
ugh this system is so stacked against workers. they make it impossible to get benefits even when you legitimately need them. good luck OP, hope your situation is more straightforward than mine was
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Liam Duke
•Hang in there! The system isn't perfect but it does work for people who qualify. Just be honest about what happened and keep good records.
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