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ugh the NYS Department of Labor website is such a pain to navigate and their phone lines are always busy! I spent hours trying to get through when I had questions about my application. Has anyone found a better way to actually talk to someone there?
I had the same problem trying to reach NYS Department of Labor agents about my claim status. After weeks of busy signals, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually gets you through to unemployment agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. It was a lifesaver when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue that was holding up my benefits.
I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months trying to get through to someone about my claim status, and honestly the phone system is impossible. If you ever need to actually talk to them about unemployment stuff, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through their phone lines. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.
The NYS Department of Labor website has a work search handbook that breaks down the different categories, but honestly it's not much clearer than the weekly certification questions. I think they intentionally make it confusing so people mess up and they can deny claims. I've been unemployed three times over the past five years and each time the requirements seem to change or get more complicated.
Just wanted to add that if you're unsure, document EVERYTHING. Keep a log of every job application, networking event, career fair, even informational interviews. I use a simple spreadsheet with dates, company names, and what type of contact it was. This way if there's ever a question about your work search activities, you have proof.
Same thing happened to me at my restaurant job. Manager started scheduling me for like 10 hours a week total, all split shifts that made it impossible to get another job. I documented everything and when I finally quit, NYS Department of Labor approved my claim after adjudication. The key was showing that the hour reduction made the job unsuitable.
Aidan Hudson
They also check with the IRS and state tax records. Plus if you file taxes next year and report income during a period when you claimed you weren't working, that's gonna raise red flags. The databases all talk to each other now so there's really no way to hide employment anymore.
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Madeline Blaze
Thanks everyone for the warnings. Sounds like I definitely need to report everything properly. Better to get reduced benefits than get hit with a huge overpayment later.
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