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The NYS Department of Labor system is so confusing even for basic claims, I can't imagine they care about academic unemployment categories. When I was on unemployment last year they just wanted to know if I was fired or laid off, not whether it was cyclical or structural lol
To clarify the definitions for your assignment: Frictional unemployment includes people voluntarily between jobs or new graduates searching for first jobs. Structural occurs when worker skills don't match available jobs due to technology changes or industry shifts. Cyclical happens during economic downturns when overall demand for labor decreases. Seasonal unemployment follows predictable patterns in industries like agriculture, tourism, or retail during holidays.
I had issues reaching someone at the IRS about FUTA questions last year. Ended up using Claimyr to get through to an agent - they have a service for calling federal agencies too, not just the NYS Department of Labor. Check out claimyr.com, they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of being on hold.
Don't forget you'll also need to meet the job search requirements to keep receiving benefits. In NY you need to do at least 3 work search activities per week and keep a log. The benefit amount is just one part of the equation - you still have to actively look for work.
The whole system is ridiculous if you ask me. Why should we have to sit around for 10+ days wondering if our former employer is going to screw us over? They should have to respond within 3 business days MAX. NYS Department of Labor lets these companies drag their feet while we can't pay our bills.
Just went through this same situation 2 months ago. My employer never responded at all and my claim was approved after about 2 weeks total. Sometimes no response works in your favor because NYS Department of Labor processes it based on your side of the story only. Keep filing your weekly claims even while it's pending!
Norah Quay
wait so if unemployment is only 3.7% why is it so hard to find work right now?? this doesn't make sense to me
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Skylar Neal
•The unemployment rate only counts people actively looking for work, not those who've given up searching or are underemployed. Also varies significantly by industry and region within New York state.
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Leo McDonald
I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for 3 months now and honestly the national unemployment rate is the LEAST of their concerns. They're understaffed, their computer systems are ancient, and they don't care how long you wait. 3.7% unemployment means nothing when the agency processing your claim is dysfunctional!
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Jessica Nolan
•I feel you on the frustration but try to hang in there. Most claims do eventually get processed even if it takes longer than it should.
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