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ugh the NYS Department of Labor system is so confusing though!! I tried to file for partial unemployment last year and it took WEEKS to get through to someone who could explain how it works. The website doesn't make it clear at all that you can file while still employed
I had trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor too when I needed to ask about my partial claim status. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.
Just wanted to add that you'll still need to do job search activities even for partial unemployment. NYS Department of Labor requires you to look for full-time work and keep a record of your job search efforts. Don't skip this part or they can deny your benefits!
UGH employers always try to make you feel bad about filing!! They act like it comes straight out of their bank account when they've been paying into the system all along. Don't let them guilt trip you - file your claim if you get laid off. That's what the NYS Department of Labor unemployment insurance is for!
One more thing to clarify - if you do get laid off and need to contact NYS Department of Labor about your claim, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually get through to speak with an agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really helpful when the phone lines are jammed and you need to resolve claim issues or get status updates.
Check your online account for the monetary determination notice - it breaks down exactly how they calculated your benefit amount using your quarterly earnings. If you think there's an error, you can request a hearing to dispute it.
Don't give up! I was disqualified initially because there was some confusion about my last day of work. My employer reported the wrong date to NYS Department of Labor and it made it look like I quit without notice. Once I provided my actual termination paperwork and explained the timeline, they reversed the disqualification. The whole thing took about 6 weeks but I got all my back pay. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while the appeal is pending - that way if you win, you'll get benefits for those weeks too.
Mei Zhang
UGH the job search requirement is such BS!!! Like im already stressed about being unemployed and they want me to waste time applying to jobs that probably wont even call me back. The whole system is designed to make you give up. 26 weeks goes by FAST when youre actually trying to find decent work not just any minimum wage garbage.
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Liam McGuire
•I feel you on this. The job search thing is annoying but honestly just apply to anything that remotely fits your background. You don't have to take a job if they offer it, you just need to show you're looking.
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Amara Eze
wait so its definitely 26 weeks? my cousin in california said she got like 30 weeks or something. also what happens after the 26 weeks are up - do you just get cut off completely?
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Andre Lefebvre
•Every state has different rules. New York is 26 weeks for regular UI. After that, you'd need to requalify by working and earning enough wages to establish a new benefit year, or look into other programs like SNAP if you're still unemployed.
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