What disqualifies you from NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits?
I'm planning to file for unemployment soon but want to make sure I understand what could disqualify me from getting benefits through NYS Department of Labor. My situation is a bit complicated - I was let go from my retail job last month but there was some drama with my manager beforehand. I'm worried they might claim I was fired for misconduct or something. What are the main reasons NYS Department of Labor will deny your claim? I've heard about things like quitting without good cause but don't know all the details. Anyone know the full list of disqualifying factors?
10 comments


Ahooker-Equator
The main disqualifications from NYS Department of Labor are: being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, refusing suitable work, not being able and available for work, and fraud. For misconduct, they look at whether you violated company policy deliberately or were just not performing well. If you were let go due to performance issues or lack of work, that typically won't disqualify you.
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Abigail bergen
•That's helpful! The drama with my manager was more about scheduling conflicts than me breaking rules. I think I should be okay then.
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Anderson Prospero
You'll also be disqualified if you're not actively searching for work or if you turn down a job offer that NYS Department of Labor considers suitable for your skills and experience. They require you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log of your search activities.
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Tyrone Hill
•Wait, is it 3 contacts per week? I thought it was more than that for regular UI claims.
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Anderson Prospero
•It's 3 for most people, but can be higher depending on your occupation and local job market conditions.
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Toot-n-Mighty
Don't forget about earnings disqualifications too. If you work part-time while collecting, you need to report ALL earnings. Even small amounts can affect your benefits or disqualify you if not reported properly.
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Lena Kowalski
I had a nightmare trying to reach NYS Department of Labor when I got disqualified for something I thought was wrong. Spent weeks calling and never got through. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really saved me when I needed to appeal my disqualification.
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DeShawn Washington
•never heard of that service, does it actually work or is it just another scam?
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Lena Kowalski
•It worked for me. I was skeptical too but was desperate to talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor about my appeal deadline.
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Mei-Ling Chen
being in school full time can also disqualify you unless you meet certain exceptions. NYS Department of Labor wants to see that you're available for full time work
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