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If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor agents about benefit questions or job search requirements, I recently discovered claimyr.com which helped me connect with someone when I couldn't get through the regular phone lines. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Really useful when you need to discuss how unemployment might be affecting your specific situation.
Most employers have to pay both state and federal unemployment taxes. The federal rate is 6% on first $7,000 of wages but they get credit for state taxes paid so it usually works out to 0.6%. Your employer claiming they don't have to pay sounds fishy - definitely report this to NYS Department of Labor.
The whole unemployment system is so confusing! I keep worrying I'm going to answer something wrong on my weekly claim and lose my benefits. Why can't they just make it simple - you're either unemployed or you're not, right??
I work in data analysis and from what I can see unemployment is definitely higher in certain upstate counties compared to NYC metro area. Tourism-dependent areas got hit pretty hard and haven't fully recovered. Construction has been variable - some areas busy with infrastructure projects while others are slowing down.
honestly the whole system is just overwhelmed right now, doesn't matter what industry you're in if you lose your job you're gonna be waiting weeks just to get your first payment
Taylor Chen
If you're having trouble reaching someone at the IRS about payment options, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get through to government agencies when the phone lines are always busy. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I used it to finally talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor about my claim issues, but I think they work with other agencies too.
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Keith Davidson
•Never heard of that but honestly anything that helps with getting through government phone systems sounds worth trying.
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Ezra Bates
wait im confused, i thought unemployment wasn't taxable?? i never paid taxes on mine
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Sarah Ali
•Unemployment benefits are definitely taxable income at the federal level. There was a special exemption for part of 2020 unemployment due to COVID but that's long over. You should probably check if you need to file amended returns for any years you didn't report UI benefits.
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Ezra Bates
•oh no... i received benefits for like 6 months last year and never reported any of it
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