Just remember you'll need to meet all the other requirements too - like doing your weekly claims and job search activities. The job search requirement is still 3 contacts per week I think?

I went through something similar a few months ago. The most important thing is to be completely honest when you file your claim but frame it correctly - emphasize that you were making genuine efforts to improve and meet expectations despite the job not being a good fit for your skills. NYS Department of Labor really does distinguish between "can't do the job" versus "won't do the job." Keep all those performance improvement plan documents and any communication showing you were trying to comply with their requests. Also, don't wait to file - you can only collect benefits from the date you file your claim, not retroactively. Good luck!

I was in a similar situation about 6 months ago - got let go for not meeting productivity metrics despite really trying my best. The whole process was nerve-wracking but I did end up getting approved for benefits. One thing that really helped was that I had kept copies of emails where I asked my supervisor for additional training and feedback on how to improve. When NYS DOL contacted my former employer, they confirmed that I wasn't being defiant or refusing to work - just struggling with the role requirements. The adjudication took about 2-3 weeks but it was worth the wait. Make sure you file immediately after termination and be completely honest about everything when you fill out the application.

I actually went through this exact situation last year when I was struggling in a data entry role. Got fired after 6 months for not meeting accuracy standards despite putting in extra hours to try to improve. NYS DOL approved my claim after about a month of review because I could demonstrate I was genuinely trying - had emails requesting additional training, notes from meetings where I asked for clarification on procedures, etc. The employer didn't contest it since they acknowledged I wasn't being insubordinate, just couldn't keep up with their requirements. My advice is to start documenting everything now - any requests for help, training materials you review, feedback sessions. Also when you file, be very clear that you were making good faith efforts to meet expectations but the role requirements exceeded your current skill level. That distinction between "can't do the job" vs "won't do the job" is crucial for NYS unemployment eligibility.

Just keep filing your weekly claims until the system won't let you anymore. That's what I did and it worked out fine. You'll know when you're done because there won't be a weekly claim to file.

Just went through this myself! My benefits ended exactly at 26 weeks even though I still had some money left in my account. The key thing is that NY uses whichever limit you hit first - either 26 weeks OR your total benefit amount. I'd recommend logging into your NY.gov account weekly to check both your remaining weeks and dollar amount so you're not caught off guard. Also, make sure you keep detailed records of your job search activities because as others mentioned, they can audit that even after benefits end. The uncertainty is stressful but at least you can track it yourself online.

I just went through the partial unemployment application process with NYS Department of Labor a few months ago when my retail hours got cut. Here's what I learned: You apply the same way as regular unemployment, but when you file your weekly claims you'll report your part-time earnings. The system automatically calculates your partial benefit. One thing that confused me at first - you report your gross earnings (before taxes) for the week you actually worked, not when you got paid. So if you worked Monday-Friday but didn't get your paycheck until the following week, you still report those earnings for the week you worked. Also keep all your pay stubs because they may ask for documentation later. The online system at my.ny.gov can be glitchy but it's usually better than trying to call. Good luck!

I'm in a similar situation - my hours got reduced at my restaurant job and I'm trying to figure out the partial unemployment process. From what I've gathered reading through these comments, it sounds like the key things are: 1) Apply for regular unemployment first to establish your weekly benefit amount, 2) Report your part-time earnings accurately each week when you file claims, 3) You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $50 before losing all benefits, and 4) The job search requirements are more relaxed since you're already working. @Omar Farouk thanks for the tip about reporting earnings for the week worked vs. when paid - that's exactly the kind of detail that would trip me up! Has anyone here had experience with how long the initial application process takes for partial benefits compared to regular unemployment?

I went through this exact situation two years ago after being laid off from a factory job. The 26 weeks (6 months) is correct for New York, but here are a few things that really helped me maximize those benefits: First, start your job search immediately even though you're not required to for the first week - the earlier you start networking and applying, the better your chances of finding something before benefits run out. Second, consider using some of that time to update your skills - there are free online courses through the NY Public Library system and WorkforceNY that can make you more competitive. Third, don't forget to file your weekly certification every Sunday night - I almost missed a week once and it caused a huge headache. Finally, keep detailed records of all your job search activities from day one, even if it's more than the minimum required. Having everything documented saved me when they did a random audit. The manufacturing sector has been hit hard, but there are opportunities in logistics, warehousing, and even some green energy projects if you're open to learning new skills. Hang in there!

I'm sorry to hear about your layoff after 8 years - that's really tough. The good news is that in New York, you can receive up to 26 weeks (about 6 months) of unemployment benefits. Your weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your earnings during your "base period" which is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. Since you worked in manufacturing for 8 years, you should qualify for the full duration. Make sure to file your initial claim as soon as possible since there's a one-week waiting period, and you can't receive benefits for weeks before you actually file. Also, start documenting your job search activities right away - you'll need to show you're actively looking for work (minimum 3 job contacts per week after the first week). The NY Department of Labor website has a good benefit calculator where you can estimate your weekly amount. With 6 months of benefits, you'll have time to find a position that matches your skills and experience rather than having to take the first offer that comes along. Good luck!