Who can apply for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor?
I'm really confused about whether I qualify to apply for unemployment benefits. I worked part-time for 8 months at a restaurant but they cut my hours to almost nothing. My friend said I might be eligible but I'm not sure if part-time workers can even apply through NYS Department of Labor. Also, I'm 19 and this was my first real job - does that matter? I don't want to waste time filing if I don't qualify. Can someone explain who can actually apply for these benefits?
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Mei Wong
Yes, part-time workers can definitely apply for unemployment benefits in New York! The main requirements are: you must have worked and earned wages in New York during the base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 quarters), you must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must be able and available to work. Your age doesn't disqualify you - if you worked and paid into the system, you can apply. Even if your hours were reduced significantly, you might qualify for partial benefits.
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Jamal Anderson
•That's really helpful! How much do I need to have earned? I made about $180 a week when I was working full hours.
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QuantumQuasar
just apply anyway, worst they can say is no. the nys department of labor website has all the info but its kinda confusing. i applied when i got laid off from my delivery job and got approved even though i was only working like 25 hours a week
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Liam McGuire
To be more specific about eligibility - you need to have earned at least $2,600 in your base period OR worked at least 2 calendar quarters and earned 1.5 times your highest quarter wages. Most people qualify under the first test. You also can't have quit without good cause or been fired for misconduct. If your hours were cut drastically, that's considered involuntary separation and you should qualify. The NYS Department of Labor will review your work history when you file your claim.
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Amara Eze
•Wait, what if you quit because of unsafe working conditions? Does that count as good cause?
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Liam McGuire
•Yes, unsafe working conditions can be considered good cause for quitting. You'd need to document the conditions and show you tried to resolve the issue with your employer first. The NYS Department of Labor adjudicates these cases individually.
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Giovanni Greco
The system is so bureaucratic honestly. I tried calling NYS Department of Labor like 50 times when I had questions about my eligibility and could never get through. The website says one thing but then when you actually file it asks for all this other stuff they dont mention. Just be prepared for a headache if you have any complicated situation.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor too until someone told me about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually get you connected to an agent without waiting on hold for hours. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I used it to clarify my eligibility questions and it was way easier than trying to call myself.
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Dylan Wright
oh wow i had no idea part time people could get unemployment! ive been struggling since my retail job cut everyone to like 15 hours but i thought only full time workers qualified
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Mei Wong
Just to add - students can also apply for unemployment benefits if they meet the work and wage requirements. Being in school doesn't automatically disqualify you, but you still need to be able and available for work during school hours, which can be tricky. The NYS Department of Labor looks at each case individually for students.
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Jamal Anderson
•Good to know! I'm not in school right now but was thinking about starting community college. Would that affect my benefits if I got approved?
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