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I had a nightmare trying to reach NYS Department of Labor when I got disqualified for something I thought was wrong. Spent weeks calling and never got through. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really saved me when I needed to appeal my disqualification.
When I had trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor to get my questions answered about eligibility, I used this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helped me understand my benefits better once I could talk to someone who knew the system.
Just to add - unemployment insurance also includes job training and placement services through the NYS Department of Labor. It's not just about collecting checks. They want to help you find new employment as quickly as possible. Some people qualify for extended benefits during high unemployment periods, and there are special programs for things like trade adjustment assistance if your job was lost to foreign competition.
I'm dealing with something similar - got let go two weeks ago and I've been calling NYS Department of Labor every day trying to get through to someone to ask about my specific situation. The phone system is absolutely terrible, I've been hung up on probably 15 times. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a human there? I have so many questions about the job search requirements and whether my termination reason will disqualify me.
I had the same problem with reaching them until someone here recommended using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that calls NYS Department of Labor for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked - got through to someone within a few hours instead of days of trying myself. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out if you're stuck.
The whole system is designed to discourage people from filing honestly. They make it confusing on purpose so fewer people claim benefits. I got fired for 'attendance issues' which was complete BS - I had documented medical reasons for my absences but they didn't care. Still got approved after a long adjudication process but the stress of not knowing for 6 weeks was awful.
ugh the whole system is confusing. i thought you got kicked off after 3 months but my cousin has been on it for like 6 months last year?? makes no sense
Ethan Wilson
UGH this is so frustrating! I've been trying to get through to NYS Department of Labor for WEEKS about my own claim and their phone system is impossible. Every time I call I either get disconnected or sit on hold for hours. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a real person there?
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Nia Thompson
•I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that calls NYS Department of Labor for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was skeptical at first but I was able to get through in like 20 minutes after weeks of trying myself. Really helped me resolve my adjudication issue.
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Ethan Wilson
•Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get answers about my claim status.
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Yuki Tanaka
Just want to add - make sure you understand the difference between being fired for cause vs. being laid off. If your hours are getting cut that badly, they might actually be laying you off rather than firing you, which would definitely make you eligible for benefits. Also remember you have to do your weekly claims and job search requirements even while your initial claim is being reviewed.
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Luca Esposito
•Good point about the layoff vs firing distinction. They haven't officially said anything about layoffs but with how much they've cut everyone's hours it almost feels like they're trying to force people to quit.
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