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What can disqualify you from unemployment benefits in NY?
You must be unemployed through no fault of your own in order to claim unemployment
The New York State Department of Labor will issue a Notice of Determination if your application for unemployment benefits is rejected (NYSDOL). The decision will include the reasons for denying your claim and the steps you might take to appeal.
Examples of why unemployment benefits claims are often rejected include:
Lack of Sufficient Income
- In New York, like in most other states, you need to have worked for at least 12 months and made a certain amount of money during that time in order to be eligible for benefits.
Being Fired Due to Inappropriate Conduct
- If you were dismissed for bad behavior, you would not be eligible for unemployment benefits in New York. For example, you may not be eligible for benefits if you were dismissed for willfully breaking company policy. However, if you were fired because you were a bad match for the position or because you had the necessary abilities, you may still be eligible for unemployment benefits.
Quitting Your Previous Employer
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own in order to claim unemployment. Therefore, you may not be eligible for benefits if you willingly leave your work without sufficient grounds. If you want to leave your job in New York for a good cause, you need to have a reason so significant that it would make even someone who really wanted to maintain their employment reconsider.
Turning Down Acceptable Employment
- To continue receiving benefits, you must actively seek employment and accept a reasonable offer of employment.
A successful appeal of an unemployment benefits rejection is not always recommended. If, for example, your earnings are below the threshold for eligibility, an appeal would be fruitless. If, however, the question of whether you have good reason to resign or not is ambiguous, an appeal may be warranted.