Why does NYS Department of Labor unemployment get denied - what are the main reasons?
I'm trying to understand all the different reasons why unemployment claims get denied by NYS Department of Labor. My friend just got a denial letter and I want to make sure I don't make the same mistakes when I file next month. From what I've heard, there are tons of ways they can reject your claim but nobody seems to explain what the most common ones are. Can someone break down the main reasons people get their unemployment benefits denied? I'd rather know upfront what to watch out for.
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Gabriel Graham
The most common reasons for NYS Department of Labor denials are: 1) Quitting without good cause (you have to be laid off or fired through no fault of your own), 2) Being fired for misconduct (fighting, stealing, repeated tardiness), 3) Not actively seeking work or failing job search requirements, 4) Refusing suitable work offers, 5) Not being available for work (like if you're in school full-time), and 6) Earning too much from part-time work. Make sure you document everything when you file your claim.
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Alicia Stern
•Thanks! What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My friend quit because her boss was making the workplace hostile but they denied her claim.
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Drake
also they deny people for not reporting income correctly or working under the table while collecting benefits. The NYS Department of Labor crosschecks with other agencies so they catch this stuff eventually
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Sarah Jones
Your friend should definitely appeal that denial if she quit due to a hostile work environment. That can qualify as constructive dismissal under NYS Department of Labor rules. She'll need documentation though - emails, witness statements, HR complaints, anything that proves the hostile conditions. The appeal deadline is usually 30 days from the denial notice date.
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Sebastian Scott
•How long do appeals usually take? I'm dealing with something similar and wondering if I should try calling first or just file the appeal paperwork.
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Emily Sanjay
I got denied because I didn't meet the earnings requirement in my base period. Apparently you need to have earned a certain amount in covered employment during the year before you file. They don't always explain this clearly when you apply. If you've been working part-time or gig work that doesn't pay into unemployment insurance, you might not qualify.
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Gabriel Graham
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to get clarification on a denial, there's a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get through to agents faster. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Sometimes talking to an actual person can help you understand exactly why you were denied and what options you have.
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Alicia Stern
•That sounds helpful. The phone lines are always busy when I try calling the regular number.
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Jordan Walker
dont forget about the work search thing!!! you have to apply for jobs every week and keep records or they'll cut you off. i know people who got denied retroactively because they couldn't prove they were looking for work
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Drake
The whole system is designed to deny as many people as possible honestly. They make it confusing on purpose so people mess up their applications or miss deadlines. But if you follow all their rules exactly and document everything you should be ok
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Natalie Adams
•This is so true. I spent months fighting a denial that was totally wrong and finally got it overturned but the stress was horrible.
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