Why would I not qualify for unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?
I just got laid off from my retail job after working there for 8 months and I'm trying to figure out if I'll even qualify for unemployment. I keep reading about all these requirements and I'm getting confused about what might disqualify me. I made decent money but I'm worried about the work history requirement since this was my first real job out of college. Also heard something about having to be 'able and available' - does that mean I can't take classes while collecting? Really don't want to go through the whole application process if I'm just going to get denied. What are the main reasons people get disqualified?
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NebulaNomad
The main qualifications for NYS Department of Labor unemployment are: 1) You must have earned enough wages in your base period (usually first 4 of last 5 quarters), 2) You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, 3) You must be able and available to work, and 4) You must actively search for work. If you worked 8 months full-time, you probably meet the wage requirement. Being laid off means it wasn't your fault. Taking classes doesn't automatically disqualify you as long as you're still available for suitable work.
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Natasha Ivanova
•Thanks! That's really helpful. Do you know what the minimum wage requirement is? I was making about $18/hour but only worked part-time for the first few months.
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Javier Garcia
you might not qualify if you quit voluntarily, got fired for misconduct, or don't have enough work history. also if you're not a US citizen or authorized to work that's an issue too
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Emma Taylor
•Actually, you can still qualify even if you quit if you had 'good cause' like unsafe working conditions or harassment. The NYS Department of Labor will investigate the circumstances of your separation.
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Malik Robinson
I was denied initially because they said I didn't earn enough wages, but it turned out there was an error in my employer's reporting. Had to call NYS Department of Labor multiple times to get it sorted out. The phone system is absolutely terrible - kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent in like 20 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Definitely worth it if you run into issues.
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Natasha Ivanova
•Wow, that sounds way better than what I've been hearing about calling. How much does something like that cost?
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Malik Robinson
•They focus on getting you connected rather than the cost. Way less frustrating than dealing with busy signals and disconnections all day.
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Isabella Silva
The system is SO confusing!! I thought I qualified because I got laid off but then they sent me some letter about 'adjudication' and now I don't know what's happening. Been waiting 3 weeks with no updates. Why can't they just tell you yes or no right away?? This is so stressful when you need money for rent.
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NebulaNomad
•Adjudication just means they're reviewing your case to make sure you meet all the requirements. It's normal for this to take 2-4 weeks, especially if there are any questions about your work separation or eligibility.
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Ravi Choudhury
same boat here, applied 2 weeks ago and still nothing
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CosmosCaptain
You know what really gets me? They make this process SO difficult for people who are already stressed about losing their jobs. Like they WANT you to give up and not collect. The whole system needs to be overhauled but nobody in Albany cares about working people.
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Ravi Choudhury
•for real, it's like they design it to be confusing on purpose
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