Who is eligible for unemployment insurance - NYS Department of Labor requirements confusing me
I'm trying to figure out if I qualify for unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor but the eligibility requirements seem really complicated. I worked part-time at a retail store for about 8 months before they laid me off last week due to slow business. Before that I had a full-time job for 2 years but quit to take care of my sick mom. Now I'm wondering - who is actually eligible for unemployment insurance in New York? Do I need to have worked full-time? Does quitting my previous job disqualify me? I'm really stressed about this because I need to pay rent and bills but don't want to file if I'm not eligible.
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Ryan Young
NYS Department of Labor has specific eligibility criteria you need to meet. First, you must have sufficient work history - generally earning at least $2,600 in your highest quarter during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Second, you must be unemployed through no fault of your own - layoffs qualify but voluntary quits usually don't unless for good cause. Third, you must be able and available for work and actively seeking employment. The good news is that your recent layoff from the retail job should qualify you, and your earlier quit for caregiving might be considered good cause.
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Samantha Hall
•Thank you! So the quit from my full-time job 8 months ago won't automatically disqualify me if my recent layoff was through no fault of my own?
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Sophia Clark
You should definitely apply! NYS Department of Labor looks at your most recent separation from work first. Since you were laid off from your retail job, that's what matters most for eligibility. The key requirements are: 1) Earned enough wages in your base period 2) Lost your job through no fault of your own 3) Physically able to work 4) Available for work 5) Actively looking for work. Part-time work counts toward your wage requirements, so your 8 months of retail work should help establish eligibility.
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Katherine Harris
•This is exactly right. I was in a similar situation last year - worked part-time after leaving my full-time job and got approved when the part-time place let me go.
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Madison Allen
honestly the whole system is confusing and they make it hard on purpose... i applied even though i wasnt sure i qualified and ended up getting approved. worst case they just deny you but at least youll know for sure
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Samantha Hall
•That's true, I guess there's no harm in applying to find out. Did you have any issues with the application process?
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Joshua Wood
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to get clarification on my eligibility too. Kept calling but could never get through during their busy hours. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent who explained everything clearly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helped me understand whether I qualified before filing my claim.
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Sophia Clark
•That's a good option if you need to speak with someone directly. The NYS Department of Labor phone lines are definitely swamped most of the time.
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Justin Evans
Wait I'm confused - if you quit your full time job even for a good reason like taking care of family, doesn't that still count against you?? I thought any voluntary quit was bad news for unemployment. Now I'm worried about my own situation because I left my last job due to harassment but haven't filed yet.
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Ryan Young
•Good cause quits can qualify you for benefits. Examples include unsafe working conditions, harassment, domestic violence situations, or compelling family circumstances like caring for an ill family member. The key is documenting the reason and showing you tried to resolve the issue first when possible.
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Emily Parker
Just apply already! The worst they can say is no. I was overthinking my eligibility for weeks and finally just submitted the application. Got approved and wished I had applied sooner.
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