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I understand the frustration, but the work authorization requirement exists because unemployment benefits are considered a form of public assistance. If you're having trouble reaching local assistance programs, I've heard some people mention using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help get through to government agencies when phone lines are busy. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works for connecting with agencies.
Just wanted to add that some states have their own worker assistance programs that might have different eligibility requirements than federal unemployment. It might be worth checking if NY has anything like that, though I'm not sure.
If you're having trouble reaching NYS Department of Labor to ask about work search requirements, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to unemployment agents by phone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. I was stuck on hold for hours trying to get answers about my job search log, but with their help I actually spoke to someone within 20 minutes.
same boat here, the 'low unemployment' thing is misleading because it counts part-time jobs and gig work as employed
Don't stress about the unemployment rate affecting your claim. I've been through this before and NYS Department of Labor processes claims based on your individual eligibility, not economic indicators. Just keep filing your weekly claims and documenting your job search activities. The rate being low might actually mean more job postings to apply to for your work search requirement.
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I had questions about my waiting week. The phone lines are always busy and the website doesn't always have clear answers. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at NYS Department of Labor. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made a huge difference in getting my questions answered quickly.
Amy Fleming
The NYS Department of Labor system is a nightmare to deal with but you should still file. Getting through to someone on the phone is nearly impossible when you have questions. I've been calling for weeks trying to resolve an issue with my weekly claim and can't get through.
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Sergio Neal
•Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it when I was having trouble reaching someone at NYS Department of Labor. They help you get through to an actual agent - there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI and the site is claimyr.com. It saved me hours of trying to call myself.
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Amy Fleming
•Never heard of that but I'll check it out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to talk to a real person!
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Alice Pierce
definitely file! worst case they say no but if you don't try you get nothing. the weekly claims are easy once you get used to it
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