What does 'not 3x WBA' mean for NYS Department of Labor unemployment eligibility?
I'm trying to understand my unemployment eligibility and keep seeing references to 'not 3x WBA' in discussions about benefit amounts. I've been working part-time for the last 8 months and want to make sure I qualify for benefits if I lose my job. Can someone explain what this 3x WBA requirement means and how it affects my potential claim? I'm worried I might not have earned enough to qualify for the full benefit amount.
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GalaxyGlider
WBA stands for Weekly Benefit Amount. The '3x WBA' requirement means you need to have earned at least 3 times your weekly benefit amount in wages during your base period to qualify for unemployment benefits. So if your WBA would be $200, you'd need at least $600 in total wages during your base period. If you don't meet this threshold, you won't qualify for regular unemployment benefits.
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Emma Davis
•Thanks for explaining! How do I calculate what my WBA would be? Is it based on my highest quarter of earnings?
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Malik Robinson
Your WBA is calculated using your highest quarter of earnings in your base period, divided by 26. The base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you earned $5,200 in your highest quarter, your WBA would be $200. Then you'd need at least $600 total in base period wages to meet the 3x requirement.
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Isabella Silva
•Wait, is this why some people get denied even when they've been working? I thought any work qualified you for benefits.
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Malik Robinson
•Exactly! Many people don't realize there's a minimum earnings requirement. You need sufficient work history and earnings, not just any work.
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Ravi Choudhury
ugh this happened to me last year!! worked part time for like 6 months but didnt make enough in any quarter to qualify. the nys department of labor calculator said i needed more earnings. super frustrating when you really need the help
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Emma Davis
•That's exactly what I'm worried about. Did you have any other options or were you just out of luck?
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Freya Andersen
If you're struggling to reach NYS Department of Labor for questions about your earnings calculation, I found claimyr.com really helpful. They can get you through to an actual agent who can review your work history and explain if you meet the 3x WBA requirement. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Much easier than trying to call the regular number and getting hung up on.
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Omar Farouk
•How much does that cost though? I'm already worried about money if I lose my job.
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Freya Andersen
•They focus on getting you connected rather than the cost. Worth checking out if you can't get through the normal way.
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CosmicCadet
Pro tip: if you're close to the 3x WBA threshold, make sure NYS Department of Labor has all your wage information. Sometimes employers report wages late or there are data entry errors. You can request a wage transcript to verify everything is correct before assuming you don't qualify.
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Luca Ricci
•This is really good advice! How do you request a wage transcript from NYS Department of Labor? Is there a specific form or can you do it online?
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