What does it take to qualify for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I'm probably going to lose my job next month and I've never filed for unemployment before. I keep seeing different information online about what you need to qualify. Can someone break down the actual requirements for NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits? I worked full-time for the past 2 years but I'm not sure if that's enough or if there are other things I need to meet. Also worried about the whole job search thing - how does that work exactly?
11 comments
Join the conversation
Sophie Hernandez
The basic NYS Department of Labor requirements are: 1) You must have worked and earned wages in at least 2 quarters during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file). 2) You must have earned at least $2,700 in your highest quarter. 3) Your total base period wages must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter wages. 4) You must be unemployed through no fault of your own (fired for cause disqualifies you). 5) You must be able, available, and actively seeking work. The job search requirement is 3 work search contacts per week that you have to log.
0 coins
Emily Thompson
•Thank you! That's really helpful. What counts as a 'work search contact'? Is applying online enough or do you need to do more?
0 coins
Daniela Rossi
Work search contacts can be job applications, networking events, job fairs, interviews, or even calling employers directly. Just make sure you keep detailed records in your job search log because NYS Department of Labor can audit you at any time. Apply online definitely counts but mix it up - they want to see you're making genuine efforts.
0 coins
Ryan Kim
•I got audited last year and had to provide proof of every single contact. Keep screenshots of applications and names/dates of people you talk to!
0 coins
Zoe Walker
Also keep in mind if you quit your job you probably won't qualify unless it was for 'good cause' which is really hard to prove. Being fired for attendance or performance issues can also disqualify you. The system is pretty strict about the 'no fault of your own' requirement.
0 coins
Emily Thompson
•My company is doing layoffs so I think I'm good on that front. Just nervous about the whole process.
0 coins
Elijah Brown
One thing that helped me when I was dealing with NYS Department of Labor was using Claimyr to actually get through to a real person when I had questions about my eligibility. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours trying to reach someone yourself.
0 coins
Maria Gonzalez
•How much does that cost though? I'm trying to save money if I'm about to be unemployed.
0 coins
Elijah Brown
•It's worth checking out - they focus on the value of actually getting answers rather than wasting time. When you're dealing with benefit eligibility questions the cost of NOT getting through can be way higher.
0 coins
Natalie Chen
just make sure u file right away after ur last day of work... theres a waiting week but the sooner u file the sooner the clock starts ticking
0 coins
Sophie Hernandez
•Actually there's no waiting week anymore in NY - that was eliminated a few years ago. But yes, file as soon as possible after your last day.
0 coins