What does it take to get unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I'm probably going to lose my job next month and have never filed for unemployment before. What does it take to get unemployment benefits in New York? I've heard the process is complicated and I'm worried I won't qualify. I work part-time at a retail store and have been there for about 8 months. Do I need to have worked a certain amount of time? What paperwork do I need to gather? Any advice would be really helpful because I'm stressing about how I'm going to pay rent if this happens.
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Kyle Wallace
To qualify for NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits, you generally need to have worked at least 20 weeks in your base period and earned a minimum amount. Your base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Since you've worked 8 months, you should meet the time requirement. You'll also need to be unemployed through no fault of your own, be able and available to work, and actively search for new employment. The application is done online through my.ny.gov.
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Malia Ponder
•Thank you! What counts as 'no fault of your own'? I'm worried because my hours have been cut recently and my manager seems to be looking for reasons to let people go.
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Ryder Ross
You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the past 18 months including dates and wages, and your most recent pay stub. If you get laid off, make sure to get documentation from your employer about the reason for separation. Don't quit unless you have good cause because that can disqualify you from benefits.
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Malia Ponder
•Good to know about not quitting. What if they're trying to make me quit by cutting my hours? Is that considered being fired?
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Kyle Wallace
•If your hours are cut significantly, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits. Keep records of your schedule changes and any communications about the hour reductions.
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Gianni Serpent
honestly the whole process is such a pain. took me forever to get through when i lost my job last year. the nys department of labor website crashes all the time and trying to call them is impossible
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Henry Delgado
•I had trouble reaching them too until someone recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an actual NYS Department of Labor agent when I couldn't get past the busy signals. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.
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Olivia Kay
Make sure you apply as soon as you lose your job! There's a waiting week but benefits are backdated to when you first file. Don't wait thinking you'll find something quickly because the job market is rough right now.
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Joshua Hellan
The system is so broken. They denied my claim initially even though I had all the right documentation. Had to appeal and it took 2 months to get resolved. Start gathering your paperwork now so you're ready.
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Malia Ponder
•That sounds terrifying. What kind of documentation should I be keeping from my current job?
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Ryder Ross
•Keep pay stubs, any written schedules, emails about work changes, and if you do get terminated, ask for the separation notice in writing. Having everything documented makes the process smoother.
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